Comparative Study of Koha Usage in Bowen University and University of Ilorin Libraries

Abstract

The study is comparative on Koha usage in Bowen University and University of Ilorin Libraries. It adopted a descriptive
survey research design. The sample size for the was 50 professional and para-professional librarians who usually
make use of Koha Integrated Library System (ILS) at the University of Ilorin library and Bowen University Library
(Timothy Olagbenro Library). The questionnaire, interview and observation were used as data collection instruments.
The survey was validated while the reliability coefficient of the tool using Cronbach’s Alpha found to have 0.746
correlation coefficient. The IBM SPSS version 21.0 used for the analysis of the questionnaire with simple frequency
counts and percentage in tables. Similar reasons were for the adoption of Koha software in both institution libraries,
and those justifications could be summarised based on philosophical and ethical reasons. The extent of Koha usage at
the University of Ilorin Library is low while its usage is very high extent Kohaat the Bowen University Library. Also,
findings showed that the usage of Koha software is effective and efficient in University of Ilorin library and Bowen
University Library. Lastly, the two selected academic libraries are not without one or two challenges in the use of
Koha. At the Bowen University Library, inadequate power supply and system crashing are the challenges affecting their
usage of Koha. Whereas at the University of Ilorin library, insufficient workforce; high cost of maintenance; inadequate
funding; lack of training and retraining of staff; and insufficient technical knowledge were the challenges faced in the
practical usage of Koha ILS. Among other recommendations, the study recommended that university libraries should
collaborate with ICT experts and bodies to develop personalised quality library software.

Keywords

• Koha
• ILS
• Software
• Open Source software
• Library Software
• University Library

References

1. Adesola, A. P., & Olla, G. O. O. (2018). Unlocking the Unlimited Potentials of Koha OSS/ILS for Library House-Keeping Functions.
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(1), 43-57.
3. Akpokodje, V. N., &Akpokodje, T. E. (2015).Assessment and evaluation of Koha ILS for online library registration at the University of Jos, Nigeria.
4. Anyaogu, U. (2003). Assessing the catalogue module of Alice for window software. Lagos Journal of Library and Information Science, 1(1), 42-46.
5. Chauhan, K. (2018). Evaluation in use of Koha Library Management Software in OPJGU, Sonipat. Library Philosophy and Practice, 1-13.
6. Cormack, C. (2012). Koha 3.8. 0 Released. Koha Library Software Community.
7. Edem, M. B., & Bassey, R. S. (2016). Adoption of software packages in university libraries in Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice.
8. Egunjobi, R. A., & Awoyemi, R. A. (2012).Library automation with Koha. Library Hi Tech News, 29(3), 12-15.

9. Faboyinde, E. O. (2006). The state of information and communication technology (ICT) in selected libraries in Lagos and Ibadan metropolis. Libraries: Dynamic Engines for the Knowledge and Information Society, 126.
10. Fatoki, O. C. (2002). Trends and standards in software selection in Nigerian Libraries.
11. Kari, H. K., & Baro, E. E. (2014). The use of library software in Nigerian University Libraries and challenges. Library Hi Tech News, 31(3), 15-20.
12. Macan, B., Vanesa Fernández, G., &Stojanovski, J. (2013). Open source solutions for libraries: ABCD vs Koha. Program, 47(2), 136-154.
13. Mulla, K. R., &Chandrashekara, M. (2011). Bibliometric analysis of literature on industry and trade. Information Studies, 17(2), 99-114.
14. Ogbenege, J., &Adetimirin, A. (2013).Selection and use of Koha software in two private Nigerian universities. Library Hi Tech News, 30(6), 12-16.
15. Oketunji, I. (2006). Choice of library application and their sustainability: necessary guidelines. Proceedings of selected papers cataloguing, Classification and Indexing of Section of NLA, 48-55.
16. Okewale, O., &Adetimirin, A. (2011). Information use of software packages in Nigerian university libraries. Journal of Information Technology Impact, 11(3), 211-224.
17. Omeluzor, S. U., Adara, O., Ezinwayi, M., Bamidele, A. I., &Umahi, F. O. (2012). Implementation of Koha integrated library management software (ILMS): the Babcock University experience. Canadian Social Science, 8(4), 211-221.
18. Paul, O. (2010). Koha developer wiki. Koha users around the world. Retrieved May 18, 2019.
19. ProjektlinkKonsult Limited (2010). Introducing Koha, An integrated library management system.Blue Print Concept, Ibadan, Nigeria.
20. Riewe, L. M. (2008). Survey of open source integrated library systems.
21. Tella, A., Dina, N., Olaniyi, O. T., Memudu, S. A., &Oguntayo, S. A. (2017).Assessment of the Use of Koha Library Software in four Selected University Libraries in Nigeria. Journal of Applied Information Science and Technology, 10(2).
22. Ukachi, N. B., Nwachukwu, V. N., &Onuoha, U. D. (2014, July).Library automation and use of open-source software to maximise library effectiveness.In Information and Knowledge Management (Vol. 3, No. 4, pp. 74-82).
23. Zico, M. (2009). Developing an Integrated Library System (ILS) using open source software Koha (Doctoral dissertation, BRAC University).