THE USE OF THE INTERNET FOR CATALOGUING AND CLASSIFICATION

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the use of ICT by cataloguers at a private university library in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – A description of the procedures and processes undertaken is given. Findings – The description of the processes involved in the use of ICT by cataloguers reveals the effectiveness and efficiency of online searches for the purpose of cataloguing and classification. A few were identified. The study shows the potential offered by the use of ICT, which libraries in developing nations – and indeed Nigeria – have not fully embraced. The paper reveals the low level of ICT literacy in libraries in Nigeria and concludes that this is a result of the deficiency in the practical training of librarians in the use of ICT in Nigerian library schools. Practical implications – The conclusion is that there is an urgent need for librarians in developing nations to gain proficiency in the use of ICT as a tool in libraries. Originality/value – The paper provides information on the level of ICT use for cataloguing and classification in a private university library in Nigeria. This experience shows the importance of why libraries in developing countries should address the desired level of ICT literacy among their librarians.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the survey on the use of online tools and techniques for cataloguing and classification in Nigerian libraries. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was designed to elicit information from librarians on pertinent areas relating to the use of online tools for processing library resources. Findings – The results of the survey reveal a high level of awareness among librarians in Nigeria about the benefits that could be derived in the use of online tools for cataloguing and classification processes. The study further reveals the need for continuing education programmes for cataloguers for effective use of the tools. The study shows that the use of online tools has advantages over manual methods. Librarians perceived the method to be useful and easy to use. The paper reveals ICT infrastructural facilities as major constraints facing libraries in the use of online tools. One of the expectations at the onset of the follow-up study was that most of the problems identified with the use of the online tools in the Redeemer's University library study would not be different from the challenges facing other libraries. The results of this study have proved this to be true. Practical implications – The conclusion rests on the need for an intensive continuing education programme to teach the skills required for online operations and the provision of web-driven facilities in Nigerian libraries. Originality/value – The paper provides information on libraries' awareness on the use of online methods for processing library resources, their efficiency and attitude of librarians to such tools. The paper shows that libraries in developing countries like Nigeria should intensify efforts to close the gap between them and those in the developed countries in terms of ICT literacy.

Library Philosophy and Practice, 2012

2015

Online cataloguing and use of online public access cataloguing is a current trend in the practice of library and information science. The findings of this study have revealed the various areas of online cataloguing being practiced in the university libraries in selected federal universities in Southern Nigeria, resources involved, methods employed, problems and strategies. The interest of scholars has shifted from cataloguing traditional document using the rule book- AACR2, a compendium of principles and techniques for cataloguing print and non-print physical materials, to emphasis on electronic resources and internet-based collection, hence online cataloguing and the use of online public access catalogues.

This paper presents an overview of cataloguing and classification process for libraries and analyzes it from the point of view of digital libraries. A case study of Australian Islamic Library's cataloguing process is presented in line with discussions from literature review and key challenges faced by library's patrons. Library's cataloguing method provides ease, flexibility and productivity in assisting users easily find required resources while not becoming a burdon on library staff in terms of its establishment and maintenance. It also addresses most of the improvement opportunities identified by library staff and users.

Nigerian Library and information Science Trends, 2024

Due to the fact that rules and guidelines for cataloguing and classification are changing to accommodate online resources, librarians need to adapt with these changes. The study adopted a survey research design. This study sought to find out cataloguing tools and competencies available in selected academic libraries in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Three research objectives guided the study, which were to identify the existing cataloguing and classification tools, establish the competency level of cataloguing and classification staff, and to identify challenges in cataloguing and classification. The population of the study was 31 cataloguing and classification staff including professionals and paraprofessionals. A Questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. Out of 31 copies of questionnaires distributed, only 20 (65%) copies were completed and returned. Data collated were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency count and mean. The mean was used to answer the research questions. The criterion mean that was used was 2.50. Values above that were termed positive and those below that were termed negative. It was found that cataloguers and classifiers are competent, some of the recent cataloguing tools like RDA and MARC were not in use and the most prominent problems bedeviling the libraries are lack of training opportunities and shortage of professional staff. Hence the study recommended that the staff be trained especially on RDA, adequate and updated versions of tools be provided among others.

American Theological Library Association Summary of Proceedings , 2010

2000

International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research Volume 12, Issue 1, January-2021 476 ISSN 2229-5518, 2021

The study aimed to investigate the challenges and prospects of cataloguing and classification in academic libraries in Kwara State that focus on the Kwara State University Library. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The study population consists of 50 practicing librarians who attended the Nigerian Library Association Annual Workshop, 2020 held at the State Library Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. A questionnaire entitled “Cataloguing challenges and prospects and a classification questionnaire containing closed elements was used to collect data for the study. The results revealed insufficient staffing, lack of modern tools, difficulties in cataloguing and classification backlogs, insufficient motivation, etc., as there are some challenges facing the technical departments of the studied academic library. The study also reveals, as an indication of a brighter future or good prospects for the technical divisions in the library studied, the increased advocacy for library automation, training opportunities available outside the country, introduction of an information management system, rapid transition from the manual method to the computerized method, etc. Based on the results, some recommendations were made. Keywords: Technical Section, Cataloguing, Classification, Academic Libraries, Kwara State University, Library

2019

The study examines the application of information and communication technology (ICT) to cataloguing and classification for effective bibliographic control, with a focus on the National Library of Nigeria as the bibliographic control agency of the nation. The study was guided by six objectives. The research design adopted was survey research method. Population of study was 33 cataloguers, while the sampling technique was complete census of cataloguers in the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), as the population was manageable. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire, comprising forty-two item statements in six clusters. Method of data analysis involved the use of statistical tools like frequency table, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that the NLN highly adopts various forms of cataloguing practices like quality, original, copy and centralized cataloguing, while online cataloguing and outsourcing are not adopted. The findings also revealed that there is low effectiveness of the NLN in application of ICT to its cataloguing and classification practices. The extent of adoption of library software packages revealed high extent in the use of only CDS-ISIS. The finding on ICT knowledge and skills of cataloguers revealed high extent of computer and internet skills, and low extent on other items, while extent of application of ICT knowledge and skills to cataloguing and classification practices revealed low extent. The findings also revealed that the challenges of application of ICT to cataloguing and classification of information resources involve inadequate funding, lack of adequate infrastructural facilities, incessant power supply, lack of internet facility and inadequate bandwidth, lack of vendor technical support, lack of maintenance culture and lack of adequate training for staff, among others. The study therefore recommended among others, that the National Library of Nigeria should adopt the use of online cataloguing in addition to other forms so as to avoid or reduce backlog; Cataloguers in the NLN should improve on their effectiveness in application of ICT to cataloguing and classification practices; NLN should adopt the use of library software packages and equally solicit vendor support; the Federal government of Nigeria should improve on funding of the National Library, while the NLN should prudently use the available fund to acquire and maintain ICT infrastructure; ensure regular power supply, provide internet facility and adequate bandwidth; and provide opportunity for adequate staff training on ICT skills. The study however concluded that application of ICT to cataloguing and classification of information resources enhances effective bibliographic control, thus, there is need for the National Library of Nigeria to overcome every obstacle that hinders application of ICT to cataloguing and classification practices.