ISSN1115-960X
llorin Journal of Business and
Social Sciences (UBSS)
Volume 13, No. 1,2009
PUBLISHED BY
THE FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND
SOCIAL SCIENCES,
University of llorin,
P. M. B. 1515, llorin, Nigeria.
E-mail: fbss.joumal@gmail.com
ii
FAMILY MEMBERS' ATTITUDES TO THE CHRONICALLY ILL IN
IWO, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA.
Fawole Olufemi Adeniyi
113-118
EFFECTIVE OPTIONS FOR ANTI - MONEY LAUNDERING AND
FINANCIAL CRIMES LEGISLATIONS IN NIGERIA.
Mohammed Yelwa
119-127
AN APPRAISAL OF COMPUTER APPLICATION IN CATALOGUING
SECTION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN LIBRARY, NIGERIA.
Adedibu, L.O. and Babafemi, G.O.
128-137
ERRATA to Volume 12, Number 1 (2007), pp.137-148 SPATIAL
DATA REPRESENTATION IN GEOGRAPHICAL 'INFORMATION
SYSTEM (GIS). Professor Olorunfemi J.F. and Dr. Ajibade L.T. 138140
Instructions for Contributors
141-142
iii
AN APPRAISAL OF COMPUTER APPLICATION IN CATALOGUING
SECTION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN LIBRARY, NIGERIA
Adebidu, L.O. and Babafemi, G.O.
Cataloguing Section,
University of Ilorin Library,
University of Ilorin,
Ilorin, Nigeria.
Abstract
Against the background of the University of the increasing importance of the
internet and computer as a significant medium of information and knowledge transfer,
this paper appraises the effectiveness of the application of computer technology in the
cataloguing section of the University of Ilorin Library. The paper, which is a situation
report examines the extent to which the technology has been adopted as well as the
advantages and militating factors against its success. The data for the study were
obtained through inventory of its existing facilities as well as interview with the staff
members of the cataloguing section of the University Library. The data were subjected
to quantitative and descriptive quantitative analysis. The study reveals that computer
application in the cataloguing section of the library is a success as it has made the
work more accurate, more effective, faster and livelier. It also reveals, however that
situation could be improved upon, if the militating factors against its success
(inadequate skilled staff, erratic power supply and lack of internet connection) are
addressed. It therefore recommends that urgent actions be taken by the Library
management to ensure that all the identified problems and hindrances are properly
looked into.
Background of the Study
As rightly stated by Aina (2004), library is an institution responsible for the
collection, processing and storage of recorded knowledge for the purpose of reading,
studying and consultation. In order to make the collections in the library easily
accessible for users, the librarian, who is the custodian of the collections, organizes
them in a way that they can be easily accessible without wasting user’s time. This
organization is called cataloguing and classification.
Cataloguing is the correct and accurate bibliographic description of the
properties of a document whether it is print, non-print, audio-visual or both (Adeyemi,
2002). This bibliographic description gives author, title, place of publication, publisher,
date of publication, number of pages in the book, etc. This physical description of
collections assists the users to have full picture of how the collections look like without
even seeing the collection. Adeyemi (2002) also described classification as an
important intellectual component of the profession, which deals with the placement of
document within the collection with the aid of Library of Congress Classification
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Scheme or Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme. The collections are then labeled
with the classification numbers and put on the shelves for easy access to users. The
librarian, who catalogues and classifies the collections is called cataloguer.
It is a known fact that the bulk of work in the library routine rest on the technical
division, most especially the cataloguing section of the library. The only problem is that
the cataloguers are not being appreciated as they are supposed to. This makes the
staff in this section fee! a sense of failure whenever there are many collections yet to
be prxessed as a result of inadequate staff or lack of materials to process the
collections. The collections that are not processed and arranged on the shelves are
not useful to library users. That is why Aina (2004) laments that the most important
retrieval tools for organizing a library collection are the catalogues. With the coming of
new technology, the library routine work has become more effective and efficient.
Some of the major activities such as circulation, acquisition, cataloguing, serials, etc.
are now being performed by the computer if the library is automated. Library
automation is replacing human manual task with machine. With the application of
computer in cataloguing, the work of the cataloguers has become lighter.
It is unfortunate however, that majority of our University libraries in Nigeria are
yet to be automated and those that have being automated are not functioning the way
they should be. As observed by Olanlokun (2003). only 27.5 percent of librarians in
Nigeria have networked their operations. This is a pointer to the fact that the Country
has a long way to go.
This paper is therefore aimed at appraising the application of computer to the
cataloguing section of the University of llorin Library. The paper will among other
attempt to provide answers to questions such as:
What is the history of computerized cataloguing section of the University of
llorin Library?
To what extent is the computer application applied to cataloguing section of the
library?
What are the factors militating against the success of the application of
compute? to the cataloguing section?
What can be done to enhance and improve upon the existing level of compute*
application in the library?
Cataloguing Automation
The Internet and the World Wide Web offer librarians unprecedented access 10 information,
the flow of which can certainly overwhelm many users (Minchew, 2002). The ma:-goal of
cataloguing and classification is to find ways by which library users can use library collections
without any stress. Hence, the activity of the cataloguing section is to assist users in locating
specific information by providing a leading tool to the library collections. Automation of
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cataloguing according to Adeyemi (2002) is therefore, to enhance efficiency and produce new
assignment for copy cataloguers.
Application of modern technologies to cataloguing and classification has brought a new
dimension to cataloguers. That is why Uluocha (2003) stated that for library to perform its
functions as at when due, the use of IT cannot be over emphasized. Johnson (1998) also added
that there could be no doubting the immense impact of recent advances in electronic and
computer technologies in librarians' delivery of information services. The technology gives
users the opportunity to gain access to other information across the globe. Adeleke and
Olorunsola (2007) buttress the point by saying that the internet makes it possible not only for
users to access large volumes of information irrespective of geographical location, but has also
given librarians the opportunity to use the internet as an electronic tool for doing their work. It
will not be an overstatement to say then that the use of internet for cataloguing has changed the
mode of operation of cataloguers, and that is why Oketunji (2001) stated that technology has
for ever changed the way by which libraries serve their patrons and from all indications it
shows that the change will continue. To buttress this, Mohammed (1999) also added that
automation of library and information systems and services have today become an acceptable
norm being the most realistic way and means of providing timely, accurate and efficient
information services as well as effective means of information management. From the
foregoing, it would be realized that automation has become to stay for good, and most
especially, to make cataloguers work more effectively and to assist the users to get better
services.
Majority of librarians do not want to work in cataloguing because the job is boring and
other librarians do not appreciate cataloguers. The use of internet for cataloguing will by no
means, make the work more interesting and will encourage other librarians to work there. In
support of this, Zaid (2008) stated that the use of the internet as supportive tool for Online
cataloguing has now turned most cataloguing section from a grave yard into a livelier
environment,
History of University of llorin Library
University of llorin was one of the seven third generation Universities established by
the Military Government in 1975, while the University of llorin Library was established in
August 1976, The University Librarian was appointed in May 1976 because of the preparatory
work of recruiting staff, preparing library estimates and building of the collections to meet the
immediate need of the academic staff and students.
The library inherited the former Kwara State College of Technology Library, which
was just 2752m and the total number of collections, (then was 20,000 volumes of books and
reading space for only 50 readers (Adedibu, 1985). The University started with only 200
students. Today the number of students has grown to over 20,000.
The University Library moved to it permanent site in 1983 and had two main branches
which are College of Medicine library located at the Mini Campus and the Law library is at the
permanent site. The main library and the branch libraries now operate for twenty four hours per
day during the examinations period. The University library collection has increased to 387,580
volumes.
130
At present, the total number of professional staff in cataloguing is three, This is grossly
inadequate for the main and mini branch libraries. There is one Para-professional staff, and
four library assistants and two typists. The library has automation section and the E - Library.
The e-library has sixty computer sets to assist the students and staff in their research activities.
The various sections in the library includes: Circulation, Reference, Cataloguing.
Acquisitions, Serial, Audio Visual and Thesis, Document, Automation and Bindery sections.
The automation section is solely in charge of the computer sets in the library and is also in
charge of day to day running of the e-library, while the Cataloguing section is fully responsible
for the processing of all library collections. This section is headed by the Chief Cataloguer,
Automation at the University of llorin started in 1984 with computation of circulation
section with the assistance of Computer Centre of the University of llorin (Fadayomi, 1999),
The firs! attempt failed because the hardware supplied was obsolete. Again, the Computer
Centre slat-* could not develop the software package suitable for library since they were not
librarians. The second attempt made by the University Library was commissioned in
November, 1996 with two servers and thirteen work stations.
The University of llorin library started with TINLIB software packages from the
Federal Government under the World Bank Loan Scheme. It was the National Universities
Commission (NUC) who adopted TINLIB for all Federal University Libraries. The University
of Ilorin had to change to ALICE for Windows because of the exorbitant price charged by the
company to renew and maintain TINLIB. With ALICE for Windows software, the University
Library succeeded in serving its users with OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) and other
related internet services. OPAC is being used by the users by keying in the author, title,'
subject or key words of collection needed in the library. If the library has the collection', it will
give you information about the collection.
The Cataloguers have succeeded in making use of computer to key in processed
collections. Also, the library assistants have been trained on how to trace data from the Online
Cataloguing through internet, which is assisting the cataloguers. At the University of Llorin
Library, the Secretarial Assistance are now using computer to produce cataloguing cards for
already processed collections. This has helped the staff to be more effective on the job and the
cards being produced by the computer are very neat. The cataloguing cards are being used as
backup for the computer in case of any problems with the collections key in the computer.
There are only two computer sets in the cataloguing section, which are not adequate because
not all the professionals have computer sets in their personal offices except the Chief
Cataloguer.
Methodology
The study emanated from the experiences of insiders, who deemed it necessary to
document their observations as regards the extent to which the computer technology is applied
in the cataloguing section of the University of llorin as well as to document same as a situation
report not only for the University administration to consider, but also to benefit other
institutions where library services are available,
131
The cataloguing section of the University of llorin Library constitutes the main source
of primary data used in the study. The data consisted the inventory of the existing facilities and
personnels as well as their functionality in the section of the library. Secondary data were
equally obtained from textbooks, journal articles and internet sources. The research instruments
used are direct observation and interview with workers within the section of the library.
However, there is problem of internet connectivity in which the staff is not being able
to gel network. Another problem is epileptic power supply, which has done a lot of havoc to
the activities in the University library, the cataloguing section in particular.
The number of computers in the -section is not adequate at all, because the computers
could not go round the cataloguers. None of the professionals has computers on their tables
except the one with the Chief Cataloguer. The section has only four computers set which are
not enough to serve the section. The problem of cards duplication is still very much with the
section, because the section still need to produce cards for backup. CD-ROM gave birth to the
establishment of many bibliographical utilities, which in a way has contributed to the success
oi computer based cataloguing. Shoyinka (1977) attributed the use of MARC format (Machine
Readable Catalogue) to the application of computer to cataloguing. This Online cataloguing,
according to her, will make access to material easier; and to that users will have access to
public catalogue in which records can be retrieved through Author/Title, corporate body, class
mark, the terms and key words.
Adeniran, et. al. (1993) stated that most of the libraries especially academic libraries
and information centers have not been fully automated especially in areas of cataloguing
procedures, Homy (1993) lamented that automation of technical services in which cataloguing
is a part requires significant adjustment in attitude and procedures to work effectively. He
concluded that staff reorganization, retraining and assuring communication are very essential
in planning.
The Need for Cataloguing Automation in the University of llorin Library:
Shoyinka (1977) attributed the use of MARC format (Machine Readable Catalogue) to
the application of computer to cataloguing. This, according to her will make access to public
catalogue in which records can be retrieved through Author / Title, Corporate body, class
marks, the terms and key words. The application of computer will make the work of cataloguer
faster, interesting, accurate and it will encourage other librarians to work in the section.
The application of computer will also assist in cataloguing of the back - logs of
collections in the cataloguing section because of the opportunity to use other catalogues across
the globe.
Extent of Cataloguing Automation in University of llorin, Library
In University of llorin Library, the cataloguing sub system has succeeded in making use
of the computer to trace data from the online cataloguing through the internet whenever there is
light and internet service. The library use Library of Congress Catalog to process the
collections. The Library of congress Catalogue is the database of all collections in library of
Congress. The library also makes use of other institutions in United States, Britain and Canada.
The cataloguers make use of the Author, / Title, Subject, ISBN (International Standard Book
Number) to search the
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internet for the collections. The collection that is not readily available in the internet
such as local collections and India books are processed manually.
After the processing, the cataloguers now pass the collection to the Secretarial
Assistance, who then key in the processed collections into the computer. As earlier mentioned,
the Secretarial Assistants are using the computer to produce cataloguing cards for the
processed collection. The main reason for the production of the cards is to be used as the back
up in case there is any problem with the computer or power failure. This has helped the stall to
be more elective on the job.
In University of llorin Library, the cataloguing sub-system has succeeded in making use
of computer to key in processed books. Also, the library assistants have been trained on how to
trace data from the On-line cataloguing through the internet, which is assisting the cataloguers.
The Secretarial Assistants are now using the computer to print cards for processed books. This
has helped the staff to be more effective on the job.
Advantages of Cataloguing Automation in University of llorin Library
As rightly stated by Freedman (1984), automation is a means of redistributing needed
information and possibly the work, so as to enhance the delivery of library services and
improve operating efficiency. The application of computer to the cataloguing section of the
University of llorin Library is a tremendous assistance to the cataloguers because it eliminates
the headache of manual cataloguing. Even though, the cataloguers still do some manual
cataloguing for collections not available in the internet, it is not as bad as it used to be. The
internet gives cataloguers access to other catalogues, which enhance more accurate, efficiency
and faster time to cataloguing of collections.
With the application of computer, the problems of wrong classification of collection
will be a thing of the past. This wrong classification had led to the use of taskforce in the
cataloguing section in the past. This happened because not all librarians are good cataloguers.
Cataloguing is a daily practice, which one can get used to over a period of time.
The application of computer to the cataloguing has made the work lively because
manual cataloguing is boring and time consuming, and that is why librarians do not like to
work in cataloguing section. The application of computer will also assist library users to be
able to use library more efficiently and it will give more information that will be useful for
their research work. It will make cataloguing interesting and the time being used for manual
cataloguing will be used for other duties in the library.
The collections will get to the shelves quicker than the time of manual cataloguing. The
issue of setting up taskforce for cataloguing section will be a thing of the past. The usefulness
of application of the computer to the cataloguing section cannot be over emphasized because
the advantages are too numerous to mention.
133
Factors Militating Against the Success of Cataloguing Automation in University of llorin
Library.
Though the application of computer to cataloguing section of the library has changed
the operation of the cataloguing procedures, there are still some problems militating against the
success of the application, these include staffing, lack of computer sets and printers hard wares,
lack of internet connectivity and power failure.
Staffing
As earlier said, there are only ten staff members in the cataloguing section of the library
and this comprises of three professionals, one Para-professional, four library assistants and two
Secretarial Assistants. This number of staff is grossly inadequate for the section to cope with
the number of collections coming to the library. In the past, the professional staff was seven in
number. Now there are only two, this is grossly inadequate to cope with the scope of work In
the section in order to avoid backlog of collections.
Lack of Computer Sets and Printers
The number of computer sets in the section is not adequate because at present, there are
only three computers in the section to be used by the professionals, Para-professionals, library
assistants and the Secretarial Assistants. The problem of inadequate computer sets is of much
concern because not all staff are able to work on the computer at the same time; they have to
wait for one another.
Another problem is the problem of printer; the computer sets that the Secretarial
Assistants use are supposed to have printers since they produce cards with the computer set.
Because of lack of printer, the work done by one Secretarial Assistant without printer has to be
transferred to another printer. This process wastes a lot of time because the work done may not
be transferable a times. If more computer sets and printers are provided to this section, it will
speed up the work in the section
Lack of Internet Connectivity
Internet connectivity is a major problem in the library and not in the cataloguing section
alone, it there is no internet connectivity, the cataloguers will not be able to work on the
computer sets to process the collections
Power Failure
Most of the times, even for days, there may not be electricity supply in the library and
without this, staff will not be able to use the computer sets. Apart from being able to work on
the computer sets, the erratic power supply may shorten the life span of computer systems.
Electricity is very essential for the successful application of computer to the library in general.
134
Staff Transfer
Staff are being transferred from cataloguing unit to another unit after they might have
been trained in the unit about the processing of materials using computers. This affects the
work of the Unit greatly and a lot of mistakes are made as a result of change of hands.
Problem of Wrong Classification Number
There is a problem of wrong classification number assigned to books due to manual
cataloguing by cataloguers at different times. This has contributed to by the use of taskforce in
the cataloguing section in the past. Not all Librarians are good cataloguers; cataloguing is a
daily practice, which one can get used to over a period of time. So, it is not good to transfer
cataloguers often, it is possible in other sections of the library but not in the cataloguing
section, Taskforce staff without cataloguing knowledge creates double work for the cataloguers
because most of the time the books processed will have to be reprocessed by the cataloguers
thereby wasting time and effort of the cataloguers.
Implication of Study
Cataloguing is the index to all the collections housed in the library and without it;
retrieval of collections will not be easy. With this, one would agree that cataloguing of
collections in the library is very essential. The use of the internet for cataloguing is a big relief
to cataloguer because it makes cataloguing easier, faster and more accurate. Therefore libraries
must take the advantages of the computer. The implication of this study rests on the need for
the University Authority to address the incessant problems associated with the automated
cataloguing section of the University. This is expected to enhance effective and efficient
utilization of the section and provide a good working environment for Cataloguers.
To this end, efforts should be geared toward provision of adequate staff in the
Cataloguing section in order to avoid backlog of unprocessed books and task force staff. This
will eliminate the problem of wrong classification numbers to the collections that are not in the
internet.
More so, cataloguers training must not be once and for all. There must be training and
retraining; and this can be achieved through workshops and seminars. The University of llorin
library is making good efforts in this area by sending staff members to Cataloguing /
Classification and Indexing Annual Workshop. The library should not stop this. The practice
should as a matter of fact continue and be improved upon. Staff should be allowed to attend
conferences/workshops with financial support.
Another area is that of the computer sets and the printers. The library should provide
adequate number of computer sets and printers, to other section. If this is done, the collections
can be made available on the shelves on time. This is because staff will not have to wait for
one another to perform their duties..
In order to assist the cataloguers and the library users, there must be regular internet
connection in the library. Internet connectivity is also very crucial in the application of
computer to cataloguing because without the internet connectivity the cataloguers will not be
able to perform their duties. The library cannot do this without adequate fund. Therefore,
University management should make
135
fund available to the library so that there will be functional internet facilities in the
library ail the time.
Power failure is another crucial area. The library must ensure adequate supply of
electricity all the time by having its own standby generator and if possible having a separate
one for technical services division. This is the case in most other Universities' Libraries, for
example, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Library, Ogbomoso. This is very
important because of the erratic power supply, which may even shorten the life span of
computer system. Without electricity, the staff will not be able to use the computer sets to
perform their duties.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The paper has taken a look into the computer application to the cataloguing section of
the University of llorin Library. It is assumed that the application has a tremendous impact on
cataloguing because it makes the work livelier, faster and more efficient. The present problems
facing the section are highlighted in the paper, and it is hoped that efforts would be made to
address the problems raised.' With the numerous development projects going on the campus
now, the problems highlighted will be a thing of the past if adequate priority attention is given
to the cataloguing section of the University of llorin Central Library. The recommendations
offered in this paper provide suitable guidelines for the University Management and the library
leadership on how to promote computerization of the Cataloguing section of the library.
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