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Mar 17, 2023Article Details
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Selection Criteria and Usage of Automation Software among Librarians in University Libraries in South-South, Nigeria
Abstract
Rationale of Study –The study was guided by four research questions which are: what are the automated services rendered in university libraries in South-South Nigeria? What criteria do librarians use in the selection of automation software in university libraries? What are the automation software packages used by librarians in university libraries? To what extent do librarians in university libraries use automation software?
Methodology – This study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of the study was 172 librarians from 10 university libraries that use automation software in South-South, Nigeria. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. Frequencies and statistical mean (with the criterion mean placed at 2.50) were used to answer the research questions.
Findings – The findings of the study revealed that the automated services rendered in university libraries in South-South, Nigeria are cataloguing, circulation, and reference services. Librarians consider cost, vendor credibility, system management, support and maintenance, software reliability, functionality and user friendliness when selecting automation software for use in university libraries. KOHA, Strategic Library Automation Management, New Generation Library, and Alexandria are the software packages being used in university libraries in South-South, Nigeria, although the extent of usage is low.
Practical Implications – The findings from this study can act as a guide to library management in drawing out the criteria for consideration for selecting automation software.
Originality – The study was an original research conducted on the selection criteria and usage of automation software in university libraries in South-South, Nigeria.
