Challenges and Facilitating Factors of Automation in Federal University of Technology Owerri Library

Authors

Judith Chioma Nwosu, Federal University of Technology, OwerriFollow
Doris Chinyere Obiano CLN, Federal University of Technology, OwerriFollow

Date of this Version

2021

Comments

Corresponding Author : Judith Chioma Nwosu.

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7057-3558

Abstract

Abstract

The culture of library automation is dully practiced in some academic libraries in Nigeria while, in some others it is not. This study focuses on Challenges and Facilitating Factors of Library Automation in academic libraries in Nigeria using FUTO Library as a case study.

Survey research design was used for this study. Data was collected using a four-point structured online (due to COVID-19 protocols) rating scale tagged “Challenges and Facilitating Factors of Library Automation in FUTO Library”, with 38 weighted questions. A population of 100 FUTO Library staff, composed of para-professional and support staff was used as respondents for the study.

The findings of the study show that FUTO Library is automated, but certain sections/units of FUTO Library are not automated. Its automated resources are underutilized by its users. It experiences certain challenges in library automation, such as lack of staff training in ICT related skills and epileptic power supply, amongst others.

The study recommends that in FUTO Library: there should be an up-to-date automation of all resources and materials of the important users-oriented sections/units. There should be proper sensitization and use of effective selective dissemination of information (SDI) tools by its staff to create awareness on automation services to its users, to eradicate the problem of underutilisation of its resources and materials. The managements of FUTO Library and FUTO should ensure that some of the challenges the library face in automation of resources is solved with stringent measures such as: enhanced staff training, frequent power supply, etc.