Identified Challenges that Impede the Effective Use of Library Management Software By Private University Libraries In Northern Nigeria.

Abstract

The study examines the identified challenges that impede the effective use of library management software in private university libraries of Northern Nigeria. Library management software enables library staff to serve library patrons better by facilitating, execution of multitude operational tasks such as cataloguing, acquisition, circulation, OPAC, management of e-resources and reference services among others with less stress.The objectives of the study were to identify the types of LMS available in the private universities under study, challenges identified that impede the effective use of LMS in the private university of Northern Nigeria. Related literature to this study were reviewed. Qualitative research methodology was adopted using narrative research design. The population of the study comprises a University Librarians and E-Librarians of the private University libraries studied. Interview was the instrument used for data and collection and the data obtained was analyzed using thematic qualitative data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that, various types of LMS were deployed and maintained by the University libraries studied, such as, KOHA, NewGenLib among others. However, the study also revealed challenges that impede the effective use of Library Management software such as: poor technical support from the suppliers, inadequate technical expertise, in adequate ICT facilities, erratic power supply, lack of adequate power back-up facilities, poor internet services among others The study recommend that, management of the universities should provide constant power supply through the provision of power backups such as inverters, and solar systems to complement the standby generator and the national power supply, adequate ICT facilities, adequate finance, as well as enough manpower for managing the software to render effective services to the library users.