An Assessment of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) Utilization in Two Selected University Libraries in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to assess the computerized catalogue and its utilization in university libraries in Lagos state. Survey research method was employed for the study. The population for the study was drawn from two university libraries in Lagos state that have automated their catalogues. These libraries are the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the Lagos state University (LASU). Four research questions were formulated for the study. The instrument used to collect data for the study was the questionnaire. Undergraduate student, Postgraduate student,
Researchers and Staff constituted the respondents for the study. The data obtained were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. It was found out that the computerized catalogue is a very important service for any library
system, because this has helped the users in their information seeking. Some problems faced with Computerized Catalogues include shortage of terminals, improper working OPAC modules and lack of proper orientation. The need to acquire necessary software, need for proper orientation as well as provision of more OPAC terminals were recommended.