Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
Winter 12-15-2018
Abstract
The study examines the application of information and communication technology (ICT) to cataloguing and classification for effective bibliographic control, with a focus on the National Library of Nigeria as the bibliographic control agency of the nation. The study was guided by six objectives. The research design adopted was survey research method. Population of study was 33 cataloguers, while the sampling technique was complete census of cataloguers in the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), as the population was manageable. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire, comprising forty-two item statements in six clusters. Method of data analysis involved the use of statistical tools like frequency table, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that the NLN highly adopts various forms of cataloguing practices like quality, original, copy and centralized cataloguing, while online cataloguing and outsourcing are not adopted. The findings also revealed that there is low effectiveness of the NLN in application of ICT to its cataloguing and classification practices. The extent of adoption of library software packages revealed high extent in the use of only CDS-ISIS. The finding on ICT knowledge and skills of cataloguers revealed high extent of computer and internet skills, and low extent on other items, while extent of application of ICT knowledge and skills to cataloguing and classification practices revealed low extent. The findings also revealed that the challenges of application of ICT to cataloguing and classification of information resources involve inadequate funding, lack of adequate infrastructural facilities, incessant power supply, lack of internet facility and inadequate bandwidth, lack of vendor technical support, lack of maintenance culture and lack of adequate training for staff, among others. The study therefore recommended among others, that the National Library of Nigeria should adopt the use of online cataloguing in addition to other forms so as to avoid or reduce backlog; Cataloguers in the NLN should improve on their effectiveness in application of ICT to cataloguing and classification practices; NLN should adopt the use of library software packages and equally solicit vendor support; the Federal government of Nigeria should improve on funding of the National Library, while the NLN should prudently use the available fund to acquire and maintain ICT infrastructure; ensure regular power supply, provide internet facility and adequate bandwidth; and provide opportunity for adequate staff training on ICT skills. The study however concluded that application of ICT to cataloguing and classification of information resources enhances effective bibliographic control, thus, there is need for the National Library of Nigeria to overcome every obstacle that hinders application of ICT to cataloguing and classification practices.