Challenges of implementing Koha integrated library management system in state polytechnic libraries for effective service delivery in North Central, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the challenges of implementing Koha integrated library management system in state polytechnic libraries for effective service delivery in North Central, Nigeria.Four research questions guided the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study is 108 library staff of the six state polytechnic libraries in North Central, Nigeria.Data collected were analyzed using frequency distribution table, chart, percentage and mean with the aid of SPSS version 23. The findings revealed that, there is poor implementation of Koha integrated library management system for library operations in the libraries studied. As few of the libraries implemented koha for online cataloguing and classification functions. The level of satisfaction derived from implementing Koha integrated library management system for library operations is low. This might be due to the poor implementation. It was also revealed among other things that, erratic power supply, low internet bandwidth, inadequate telecommunication infrastructures, lack of funding, lack of adequate training before installation of the software, hardware breakdown, lack of proper feasibility study, lack of technical skills among librarians (installation & customization), technophobia are the major challenges associated with implementing koha in the libraries studied. The study recommended that, Any library that desire to implement Koha should first of all carry out a comprehensive feasibility study to ascertain the readiness to implement koha.The library management should train their staff on the skills required to operate and maintain koha system in the library. Most imperatively, internet access should be provided in the library by the parent institution among others.