ACQUISITION AND UTILIZATION OF LIBRARY-ORIENTED SOFTWARE PACKAGES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES

ACQUISITION AND UTILIZATION OF LIBRARY-ORIENTED SOFTWARE PACKAGES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN AKWA IBOM
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the utilization of library oriented software packages in academic libraries in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. Six research questions were formulated to guide the study. A descriptive survey design was used and purposive random sampling was adopted. The population consisted 412 library staff which includes librarians, system analysts and library officers in these academic libraries. Sample used was 120 library staff. The instruments for data collection were observation checklist and questionnaires. Data obtained were organized and analyzed using simple descriptive statistic which includes simple percentages, mean scores and frequency tables. The result showed that the library oriented software packages available in these academic libraries are Tinlib software which was not in use and SLAM which is presently in use in these libraries. The method of acquisition of these software were through gift from NUC and purchase from computer firm and vendor. The purpose of utilization of these software was for searching for information online and internet surfing/browsing. The extent of utilization of these software was only in internet browsing and information retrieval. The problems associated with software utilization are computer incompetency among library staff, lack of steady power supply, lack of appropriate funding. The strategies for enhancing software utilization includes provision of adequate power supply, provision of adequate funding, provision of computer training among library staff, involving library staff in decision making. The researcher recommended that There should be a good feasibility study by the library management on the proposed software to be acquired for library automation and also there should be compulsory staff and user training on computer and software for all library staff so as to be able to fit into this new era of information delivery.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page – – – – – – – – – i
Approval Page – – – – – – – – – ii
Certification – – – – – – – – – iii
Dedication – – – – – – – – – iv
Acknowledgement – – – – – – – – v
Abstract – – – – – – – – – vi
Table of Contents – – – – – – – – vii
List of Tables – – – – – – – – – ix
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study- – – – – – – – 1
Statement of the Problem – – – – – – – – 7
Purpose of the Study – – – – – – – – 8
Research Questions – – – – – – – – 9
Significance of the Study- – – – – – – – 9
Scope of the Study- – – – – – – – – 10
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Conceptual Frame Work – – – – – – – – 11
Types of Application Software Packages in Library – – – – 13
Methods of Acquisition of Library Oriented Software Packages- – – 20
Purpose of Utilization of Library Software – – – – – 23
Extent of Utilization of Library software Packages – – – – 27
Problems Associated with Software Utilization – – – – 28
Strategies for Enhancing Software Utilization in Academic Library – – 31
Review of Related Empirical Studies- – – – – – 38
Summary of Literature Review- – – – – – – 41
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHOD
Research Design- – – – – – – – – 43
Area of the Study – – – – – – – – 43
Population of the study- – – – – – – – 44
Sample and Sampling Technique- – – – – – – 44
Instrument for Data Collection- – – – – – – 44
Validation of Instrument- – – – – – – – 45
Method of Data Collection – – – – – – – 46
Method of Data Analysis- – – – – – – – 46
CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION OF DATA- – – – 48
Research Question 1 – – – – – – – – 49
Research Question 2 – – – – – – – – 50
Research Question 3 – – – – – – – – 51
Research Question 4 – – – – – – – – 52
Research Question 5 – – – – – – – – 53
Research Question 6 – – – – – – – – 54
Summary of Major Findings – – – – – – – 55
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATION AND SUMMARY
Discussion of findings – – – – – – – – 56
Implication of findings – – – – – – – – 59
Conclusion – – – – – – – – – – 61
Recommendation of the study – – – – – – – 62
Limitations of the study – – – – – – – – 63
Suggestions for further research – – – – – – – 63
Summary – – – – – – – – – 64
References- – – – – – – – – – 66
Appendix A – – – – – – – – – 72
Appendix B – – – – – – – – – 73
Appendix C – – – – – – – – – 74
Appendix D – – – – – – – – – 75