Adoption of ‘Newgenlib’ Library Automation Software for Library Operations in Nigerian University Libraries

Abstract

Library automation is the conversion of a library’s routine activities such as storage, access and retrieval from manual to electronic means. Integrated library automation packages are used in a wide range of library automation. This study focused on adoption of ‘NewGenLib’ library automation software for library operations in Nigerian University Libraries. Descriptive survey was used in this study. A purposive sample technique was used. Questionnaire and interview were used as instruments for data collection. Only libraries that use ‘NewGenLib’ were used. The findings of this study revealed among others, that there are only 5 university libraries in Nigeria that use ‘NewGenLib’ and all the 5 use the open-source, the software is user friendly and easy to navigate. The modules implemented by all of them are cataloguing, followed by OPAC. It is concluded that ‘NewGenLib’ is not widely adopted for library operations by Nigerian University Libraries. It is recommended among others that the software should be adopted by the University libraries in Nigeria, that are not using it for library operations. Also, Stable light, good attitude, available Internet etc., should be provided in order to use the software.