IMPACT OF INTERGRATED LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE ON LIBRARY SERVICE OF CENTRAL LIBRARY ABU ZARIA

ABSTRACT

The study was aimed at assessing the impact of integrated library management software on library services in central library, ABU, Zaria, Nigeria. The survey research was used in this study to sample the opinion of respondents. This method involved random selection of respondent who were administered with questionnaires. The target population of the study comprised selected library users and library staff of central library, ABU, Zaria Nigeria. The questionnaire administered was one hundred and ten (110) copies and one hundred copies retrieved which constitute the sample size. The descriptive and analytical approach was adopted using Chi-square to test and analyze the hypotheses earlier stated. The findings revealed that integrated library management software has a significant impact on library services in central library ABU, Zaria and that there is a significant relationship between the use of integrated library management software and library services. It was therefore concluded and recommended from the findings that ICTs have become a way of life in all spheres of human endeavor. For Nigerian Libraries and Librarian to be among the league of Nations in ICT skill and competence which includes the introduction and application of integrated library management software in academic libraries, concrete efforts must be made to build facilities and infrastructures that will stand the test of time and match the changing situations from time to time.

CHAPTER ONE

1. INTRODUCTION

Integrated library management software system helps and is important in maintaining data of books issued to learners and books available in the library. This helps librarians to spot any particular book at any given time in the library. The integrated library management software is important because it supports all the activities related to library functions and user services. It provides an online interactive system for processing, storage, and retrieval. It also facilitates the interchange of information with other organizations.

Other benefits and importance of integrated library system towards good library services are:

a)Easy searching: It enables online searching of library material, which leads to fast and easy searching. Students prefer these types of digital libraries.

B) Computerized services: It supports computerized library services which help in easy stock management.

c) Web-based information: It provides a high-quality web-based information gateway.

d) User-friendly: It is user-friendly software that facilitates all the functions to run in a seamless manner.

e) Full access: It offers expanded access to library materials. It provides full access to the whole library material in an effective way.

f) The integrated library system helps in the smooth functioning of the library functions by providing different modules.

i) The OPAC (Online public access catalog)

ii) Acquisition module

iii) Serial module

iv) Circulation module

v)Cataloging module

Integrated Library management software Systems are software for libraries that combine modules for cataloguing, acquisition, circulation, end-user searching, database access, and other library functions through a common set of interfaces and databases . Integrated Library management softwarearecategorized into proprietary and open source integrated library systems. Proprietary Integrated Library management software Systems are commercial and protected by copyright and have strict restrictions on use and distribution. Open source Integrated Library management software Systems are free. This benefit of Integrated Library management software reduces costs, gives users more control and increases software performance. Considers software to be the most important component of the automation process in libraries

Software can be defined as the programs that are used with particular computer systems (Concise English Dictionary, 1999). Computer software or software is a collection of computer programs and related data that provide the instructions to a computer or tell it what to do. It also refers to one or more computer programs and data held in the storage of computer for some purpose. Program software performs the function of the program it implements, either by directly providing instructions to the computer hardware or by serving as input to another piece of software. In contrast to hardware, software is intangible (Wikipedia, 2010). Wooster (2009) opines that software is the most valuable intangible product in the market place and outlines the qualities of good software.

According to Onatola (2014) a library is a place where individuals access information and ideas. Libraries are not to be regarded just as a place for reading, according to Rubin (2010) they exist in many countries across the world and are often considered an essential part of having an educated and literate population. Information is an important resource which is essential for the progress of any individual and that of a nation, so access to right or relevantly updated information to its users is required at the right time for any literate society. According to Opeke, Osunkunle,&Okwilagwu(2013) Information has been defined by Business Dictionary. Com as follows: Data that ( a) has been verified to be accurate and timely ( b) is specific and organized for a purpose,( c) is presented within a context that gives it meaning and relevance,( d) that can lead to an increase in understanding and decrease in uncertainty. We can see from this definition that information has no substitute when it comes to national development. Any information society requires information at every step. Access to information means unhindered access to-all the citizens which reflect the interest of the citizenry. It also refers to the means and mode through which information is made available by providing entire range of possibilities for making Information and information services available to the public. Access to Information focuses on the rights of individual to have access to the information at the right time. Its importance is also seen as a determining factor to economic, social and political development of any nation irrespective of their culture, ethnicity, language etc. Davis and Davidson (2011) said that nations would prosper or falter depending on their investment in building an information infrastructure and since human knowledge improvement presupposes information flow and sharing, the collective intellectual abilities of a nation, its human capital will also depends on access to information. The citizens’ needs detailed and accurate information that will help them contribute meaningfully in the growth and development of the society

In choosing Integrated Library management software, libraries must base their decision not only on the performance and efficiency of the system, but also on its fundamental flexibility to readily adapt to the future demands and needs of their patrons (Muller, 2011). There are different types of integrated library system software that have been adopted by various academic libraries in Nigeria. Examples include Koha, NewGenLib, Evergreen and OpenBiblio. Edmund (2018) postulates that Koha, evergreen and PMB are the most active projects, innovative in areas of Web 2.0 support and are extending the core set of features in their applications.

According to Omeluzor, et al (2012) Integrated Library management software such as Koha,newlib,evergreen etc has been adopted by thousands of libraries worldwide in an effective library service delivery specifically in higher institution of learning such as Ahamdu Bello University Zaria, each adding features and functions, deepening the capability of the software. Therefore, this study will serve a very useful purpose for academic libraries in Nigeria in particular, and their counterparts across the globe in general. This current study will serve as a viable, scalable solution for libraries of all kinds. The flexibility and friendly nature of the software will enable users maximize their gains in the search for information in libraries. Integrated Library management software impressive feature set will continue to evolve to meet the needs of its user-base.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

It is not surprising that today; the discussion of ICT plays dominant roles in library activities. Integrated library management software has become imperative due to the evolution of information technologies. In today’s world of a highly connected public, the capabilities of the integrated library system determine the library’s ability to deliver relevant services. Integrated Library management software’s are making great strides in adoption in libraries across the globe, including Nigerian University libraries. Many literatures have existed on open source integrated library system such as: “Open Source Integrated Library Systems” (Breeding, 2009), “How to Choose a Free and Open Source Integrated Library System” (Muller, 2011), “Library Automation and Use of Integrated Library management software to Maximize Library Effectiveness” (Ukachi, Nwachukwu and Onuoha, 2014), etc. However, the use and effective application of integrated library management software in academic libraries has been found wanting. The importance and viability of Integrated Library management software makes it very imperative to be adopted by libraries that strive to better serve the interest of their users and librarians. Hence, this gave rise to the study. This work will guide the libraries, especially academic libraries to make the right choice in adopting Integrated Library management software of their choice. Integrated Library management software such as kohaetchas been proven to be the most reliable fast and easy access to information in public universities. The work will also guide the librarians to better serve the interest of their teeming users in the pursuit for information. The open and friendly nature of the software will help the users to navigate and maximize their search for information.

1.3 RATIONALE OF THE STUDY

Successful institutions are generally dynamic in nature. Some academic libraries have become dynamic in nature due to the fact that, libraries are constantly adapting to change to remain meaningful and relevant in satisfying the changing information needs of their patrons in this technology era. The Integrated Library Management Software is generally supposed to have all the required features of a dynamic institution in place and functioning as required. The study therefore would ascertain whether Central Library, ABU, Zaria Nigeria have been satisfied with the use of Integrated Library Management Software on their service. This research therefore seeks to contribute to studies that assess the challenges the library staff experienced in the use of Integrated Library Management Software in academic libraries and also contribute to the development of a more robust and effective management software and ways to improve the use of Integrated Library Management Software that are useful and able to provide guidance to future researchers.

1.4 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

In line with the statement of research problems the purpose of the study is to examine the impact of intergraded library management software on library service of central library AbuZaria. Other objectives includes

1) To examine the level of application of integrated library management software used in carrying out library services in ABU ZARIA

2) To examine the level of satisfaction in the use of integrated library software management in Academic libraries in Nigeria

3) To examine the impact of integrated library software management on library services in ABU Zaria

4) To examine the challenges encountered in the use of integrated library management software in effective library services in ABU Zaria

5) To recommend ways of improving library services through integrated library management software in Nigeria

1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1) What is the level of application of integrated library software used in carrying out library services in ABU ZARIA?

2) What is the level of satisfaction in the use of integrated library software management in Academic libraries in Nigeria?

3) What is the impact of integrated library software management on library services in ABU Zaria?

4) What are the challenges encountered in the use of integrated library management software in effective library services in ABU Zaria?

5) What are the ways of improving library services through integrated library management software in Nigeria?

1.6 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

In line with the statement of research problems and the objectives of this thesis, the following hypotheses will be tested:

Hypothesis 1:

Ho:Integrated library software management does not have a significant impact on library services in ABU Zaria

H1: Integrated library software management has a significant impact on library services in ABU Zaria

Hypothesis 2:

Ho:There is no significant relationship between integrated library software management and library services in ABU Zaria

H1:There is a significant relationship between integrated library software management and library services in ABU Zaria

1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study would coverimpact of integrated library management software on library service of central library Abu Zaria.The researcher was faced with the following constraints in carrying out this study:

Time: The time within the researcher is too short to carry on the detail study on this topic.

Resources: Another constraint of the researcher is financial resources to carry on the detail study of this topic.

Data: Another limitation to this study will be lack of data to make valid study on the research problem.

1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE PROJECT REPORT

This research work has been organized into five chapters. Chapter 1 introduces and highlights the research objectives and purpose of the study in a manner and context that shapes the consequent chapters. Chapter 2 reviews the literature and provides a theoretical framework on library management software that serves as basis for this empirical study. Chapter 3 explains the research methodology and procedures used in this study which include research design, population of the study, data collection method, sampling size and technique and data analysis method. Chapter 4 focuses on reporting the findings, analysis of data and presentation of the study which evaluates the data collected keeping in mind the set objectivesand discussion of the results. Chapter 5 comprises the summary of the research, conclusions drawn and recommendationsprovided.