The challenges of library automation in Nigerian universities of technology: the example of federal university of technology, Owerri, Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the challenges of automating library functions in Federal University of Technology library, Owerri, Imo State. A descriptive survey method was used for the study. The study population was drawn from 11 staff members of the ICT Unit in charge of automation activities. Interview and questionnaire were used as instruments for data collection. The data collected were analysed with the use of descriptive statistics. Findings reveal that insufficient power supply, poor funding, poor administrative support and inadequate staff training among others are factors militating against the library’s automation project. The paper concludes by suggesting strategies to sustain automation in the library.

Keywords: Library, Automation, Software, Academic, Information , Communication, Technology, University , Nigeria.