Development and Validation of Circulation Software Package for Libraries in Federal Universities of North Central, Nigeria

Abstract

In this study the development and validation of circulation software package for university libraries in Federal Universities of North Central Zone, Nigeria is investigated. Specifically, five purposes and three research questions guided the study. The study adopted descriptive survey and was carried out in North Central zone which has population of 155 comprising librarians and other library personnel who have worked in circulation department from seven federal university libraries in the study area. The study used purposive sampling technique to sample librarians and other library personnel. From the above population one hundred and eight (108) questionnaires were filled and utilized; representing a return rate of 70%.  Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency tables and mean scores and the decision rule for research questions one through three was based on whether the mean score value was lower than or equal to and above the criterion mean value of 2.50 for either rejection or acceptance. The findings of the study shows that the federal university libraries employ manual procedures in carrying out basic circulation functions such as registering users at the circulation desk, charging out items to users at circulation desk, discharging and renewing items to users at the circulation desk. The study also revealed numerous problems associated with the manual circulation procedure. Finally, the finding also shows that majority of the respondents have little or no skill in software design, software installation/operations, web design, digitization and imaging technology, online cataloguing, and classification. On the other hand, other respondents have low skill in automated circulation system and system analysis and design. However, the findings indicated that most of the respondents have a very high skill in Microsoft Office, database searching technique, and transformation of data. The researchers made appropriate recommendations which include encouraging the use of in-house library application software. Accordingly, in this study, an online application for circulation was developed.

References

1. Abolaji, J. A. (2000). Automation of Cataloguing Processes in Nigerian Libraries: The Experience of Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Nigerian Libraries, 34(2), 1-7.
2. Akinbobola, O. I., & Adeleke, A. A. (2013). The influence of user efficacy and expectation on actual system use. Interdisciplinary Journal of Information, Knowledge, and Management, 8, 43-57.
3. Alokun, N. A. T. (2003). The Use of Library: A Textbook for Students in Tertiary Institutions. Lagos: Nudex International Company.
4. Babafemi, G. O., Saliu U. A. & Otenekwu, F. O. (2013). An overview of the library. In J. O. Omoniyi, Adekola & Fola-Adio (Eds), Effective communication in higher education: The use of library: Ilorin. Ilorin: University of Ilorin.
5. Babafemi, G. O., & Adedibu, L. O. (2007). Application of computer technology to circulation subsystem of the federal university of agriculture. Abeokuta: Nigerbiblios, 18(1&2), 23-32.
6. Battaile, C. (1992). Circulation Services in a Small Academic Library. U.S.A.: Greenwood Publishing Group
7. Egunjobi, R. A., & Awoyemi, R. A. (2012). Library automation with Koha, Library Hi Tech News, 29(3), 12-15.
8. Ossai-Ugbah, N. B. (2010). The impact of automated library services and usage on student’s academic performance in Nigerian Universities, International Journal of Library and Information Science, 2(8), 169-176.

9. Gall, M. D., Gall, J. P., & Borg, W. R. (2007). Educational research: An introduction. Boston: Pearson Education.
10. Ifidon, S. E., & Okoli, G. N., (2002). 40 Years of Academic and Research Library Service to Nigeria: Past, Present, and Future. Paper presented at the 40th Nigerian Library Association, ASCON, Badagry.
11. Khalid, H. M. (2000). Co-operation and networking in library and information systems of advanced countries: a framework for countries with less developed systems. Library Review, 49(1/2), 57-63.
12. Madukoma, E. (2011). The Role of Library and Information centers in Information Provision and Access. Library and Information Science Digest, 5, 71.
13. National Universities Commision (2016). National Universities Commision |. Nuc.edu.ng. Retrieved 14 January 2016, from http://nuc.edu.ng/
14. Nok, G. (2006). The Challenges of Computerizing a University Library in Nigeria: The Case of Kashim Ibrahim Library, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Library Philosophy and Practice, 8(2).
15. Nwachukwu, V. N., Asiegbu, F. N., & Uzoamaka, O. (2014). Utilization of library oriented software packages among University Libraries in North Central Zone of Nigeria. International Journal of Advanced Research, 2(5), 111-116.
16. Obajemu, A. S., Osagie, J. N., Akinade, H. O. J., & Ekere, F. C. (2013). Library software products in Nigeria: A survey of uses and assessment. International Journal of Library and Information Science. 5(5), 113-125.
17. Ossai, N. B. (2010). The impact of automated library services and usage on student’s academic performance in Nigerian Universities. International Journal of Library and Information Science, 2(9), 169-176.