Assessing The Role And Position Of The Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) At Sam Jonah Library, University Of Cape Coast.

Authors

EUGENE BAAH YEBOAHFollow

Date of this Version

2018

Document Type

Article

Citation

REFERENCES

Adeleke, A. A. &Olorunsola, R. (2007). Cataloguing and classification online: the experience of Redeemer’s University library, The Electronic Library, 25, 6, 725-732. Retrieved April 14, 2016 from EMERALD database.

Aina, L. O. (2004). Library and information science text for Africa. Ibadan: Third World Information Services Limited.

Akeroyd, J. (2004).Information seeking in online catalogues, Journal of Documentation, 46, 1, 33 – 52. Retrieved April 14, 2016 from EMERALD database.

Antelman, K., Lynema,E. & Pace, A. K. (2006). Toward a twenty-first century library catalogue. Information Technology and Libraries, 5, 4, 23.

Breeding, M. (2007). Next generation library catalogs, Library Technology Reports, 43, 4, 5-14.

Byrum, J. D. (2005). Online catalogs and library portals in today's information environment, Journal of Library Administration, 43, 1-2, 135-154. Retrieved April 14, 2016 from EMERALD database.

Entsua-Mensah, C. (Ed.).(2015). Information literacy skills: a course book. Cape Coast: The Library Publications Committee.

Fattahi, R. (1995). A comparison between the online catalogue and the card catalogue, Library Review, 44, 2, 44 – 58.

Gorman, M. (2004). Authority control in the context of bibliographic control in the electronic environment. Cataloging & Classification Quarterly, 38, 3/4, pp.11-22.

Hildreth, C. R. (2000). Online catalog design models: are we moving in the right direction? Library Hi-Tech, 5, 2, 14-20.

Jian, T. (2013). An exploratory study on social library system users' information seeking modes.Journal of Documentation, 69(1), 6-26. Retrieved May 23, 2016 from EMERALD database.

Krubu, D. &Osawaru, K. (2010). The impact of information communication technology in Nigerian University libraries. Library Philosophy and Practice, 5(15), 1-32.

Merčun, T. & Žumer, M. (2008). New generation of catalogues for the new generation of users, Program, 42, 3, 243 – 261. Retrieved April 14, 2016 from EMERALD database.

Novotny, E. (2004). I don’t think I click: a protocol analysis study of use of a library online catalogue in the internet age. College and Research Libraries, 65, 6, 525-563.

Potter, W. G. (2002). Online catalogues in North America: an overview, Program, 20, 2, 120 – 130. Retrieved April 14, 2016 from EMERALD database.

Reid, J. M. (2003). Cataloguing without tears: managing knowledge in the information society. Oxford: Chandas Publishing.

Rowley, J. F. & Farrow, J. (2000). Organizing knowledge: an introduction to managing access to information. (3^rd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Seal, A., Bryant, P. & Hall, C. (2000). Full and Short Entry Catalogues: Library Needs and Users. Aldershot: Gower.

Tanui, T. A. (1992). Library Cataloguing: Relevance to Modern Library Users. Library Review, 41, 3. Retrieved August 18, 2015 from EMERALD database.

Taylor, A. G. & Tillet, B. B. (Eds.). (2004). Authority control in organizing and accessing information:definition and international experience. New York: Haworth Information Press.

Yu, H. & Young, M. (2004). The impact of web search engines on subject searching in OPAC Information Technology and Libraries, 23 , 4, 168-80.

Abstract

The study examines the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) at the Head Library of the University of Cape Coast as an information seeking tool. The study aimed to find out the role the OPAC at the library plays in the information seeking pursuits of students and their general awareness and impressions about the facility. The descriptive survey design was used as the methodology with the population of the study totaling 1000. A simple random sampling of 110 students was chosen to represent the population. Results indicated the role the OPAC plays in facilitating access to information resources and publicizing same to outsiders. While the findings show students’ awareness of the existence of the OPAC, it was revealed that the OPAC facility does not enjoy widespread use in the library. Infrastructural issues and lack of relevant skills were deemed to be some of the challenges preventing an optimum use of the facility. The study recommends the involvement of students in the search process and the provision of instructional materials to enhance students’ search skills generally.