Library Application Software Packages awareness among librarians in university libraries in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

The study is an examination of library oriented software packages awareness among librarians in university libraries in North Central Zone of Nigeria. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which librarians are aware of library application software packages in university libraries. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The population of the is 57 comprising librarians and system analysts. Data was collected through structured questionnaire titled “Library Application Software Packages Awareness Questionnaire (LASPAQ)”. A return rate of 44 (77.2%) was recorded. Data collected were presented in tabular form and analyzed with the use of frequencies and mean. Findings revealed that librarians are aware of library application software packages such as Tinlib, X-Lib, Micro CDS/ISIS, Geenstone, KOHA, Dspace, MINISIS, Mastalib, AFW, Bookwhere, Lib+, GLAS as well BASIS packages to a fairly great extent. The study further reveals that librarians in these libraries are informed about library oriented software packages through checking of product reviews, browsing the web, workshop, seminars and discussing the software with those who use and are trained in it. The study concludes that librarians in university libraries in North Central Zone of Nigeria are aware of the packages. The study recommends that librarians who are not yet aware of library oriented software packages should endeavor to do so by either interacting with those who are trained in it or those who use it.