Assessment of use of radio frequency identification in some selected university libraries in Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the Use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in Some Selected University Libraries in Nigeria. It was guided by four objectives and four research questions. Survey research design was used for the with a target population of thirty four respondents. Total population sampling technique was employed for the study and online questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency count and percentages. The findings of the study revealed; majority of the respondents strongly agreed that they have good perception on the effectiveness of RFID implementation in the management of library resources, secondly, the study strongly agreed that RFID can be applied or use for the management of library resources as well as provides users with all their seamless services. Furthermore, the study also strongly agreed that FRID implementation has positive influences in the management of library resources. Finally, the study strongly agreed that; RFID cost is higher compared to other methods, RFID tags are vulnerable to compromise and RFID implementation can lead to loss of job as some of the major barriers affecting the use of RFID in the management of library resources. The study concludes that; the use of RFID technology in University libraries under study revealed numerous advantages and is very flexible compared to other methods of library operation most especially in this 21^st century. However, the implementation of system in University Libraries requires significant investment in the technology as well as in the training of staff that would handle the system, though the technology is not widely understood and not in use by majority of the universities in Nigeria but gradually RFID is increasing in popularity among University Libraries because of its economic sense, efficiency and easy to use.