Automation Efforts in Public and Privately Owned 
University Libraries in the South-West of Nigeria
Reuben Abiodun Ojoa and Aderonke Olufemi Otunlab,*
a. Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria 
b. Timothy Olagbemiro Library, Bowen University Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria 
* Corresponding author. Tel: +2348032186962; aderonkeotunla@gmail.com
Abstract
The concept o f library automation is gradually gaining ground in 
Nigerian Libraries, particularly in the public and privately owned 
University libraries in the South-West part of Nigeria which is the 
focus o f this study. The study examines automation efforts in Public 
and Privately Owned University Libraries (PPOULs) in the South- 
West, Nigeria. The study also identifies PPOULs that have been 
automated, the type of integrated library system(ILS) being used, its 
description, modules already activated, evidence ofzveb presence of 
these university libraries and the common challenges being faced by 
these university libraries in implementing automation, among 
others. Structured questionnaire was designed, using Google form 
with a link to elicit information from the respondents. The 
questionnaire was sent to the Systems Administrator/ Librarian of 
each o f the libraries via email. The response rate was hundred percent 
(100%).The data were analyzed using frequency counts and 
percentages which are presented in tables. The results o f the findings 
showed that more than half (61.5%) o f PPOULs in the South-West 
were automated; using either proprietary, open source or in-house 
developed Integrated Library System (ILS). The finding also 
revealed that Koha ILS is used by 50% o f the university libraries in 
the South-West Nigeria. Cataloguing module was found to be 
implemented by all the libraries while serials module is the least 
implemented among the libraries studied. The major challenges 
indicated are that o f erratic power supply, insufficient staff to carry 
out automation project and insufficient fund to maintain 
automation project. The study concludes that automation has a 
growing list o f benefits, particularly when it is adopted and 
implemented in the university academic libraries. The initiative will 
enhance effective information sendees delivery and at the same time 
raise the profile and prestige of the library and the university it 
semes.
Keywords: Library Automation, Integrated Library System, 
University Libraries, Nigerian Libraries, South-West Nigeria.
43
Introduction
University libraries are very important in higher institution of 
learning because they support teaching, learning and research activities 
of the university. It is expected that university libraries acquire, process 
and disseminate information resources that will meet diverse needs of 
staff, students as well as researchers in their universities. The demand for 
information now is much higher than before and the traditional method 
of processing and disseminating information to users is no longer 
effective; therefore libraries must live up to their expectations so that they 
can be relevant in this information age. The implementation of 
automation in some libraries has actually helped them to meet the 
demands of users in various ways(Otunla, 2010).
Library automation is the application of computers/machine to 
library operations and services that are previously done manually. The 
application of computer into library operations witnessed integration of 
processes such as critical sections of the library; such as Cataloguing, 
Circulation, Serials Control and Acquisitions. The implementation of 
Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) to run in parallel with the 
traditional way of browsing library holdings saves users' time and 
caused paradigm shift in packaging and delivering information to users 
of the libraries. The OP AC which was initially implemented to be 
accessible within the Local area Network (LAN) setting has been 
improved and emphasis is now being placed on Web Public Access 
Catalogue (Web PAC). This new development has greatly enhanced 
libraries services to the extent that library users can access the library 
remotely from their offices; hostels and homes. As a result of the changes 
that automation brought to libraries operations and services many 
libraries are now involved in automation process so as to serve their users 
better. Also, library professionals, particularly in the academic libraries 
are getting motivated and showing keen interests in getting trained in 
order to keep pace with the new technology in which computer is seen as 
its nucleus (Harinarayana, 1991).
Globally, automation of library has witnessed various stages of 
development which can be seen from three perspectives; namely: 
Prototyping Phase (PP: 1930-1960), Local Area Network Phase (LANP: 
1960 -  1970), and Interoperability of Information Systems Phase (IOISP: 
1970 to date).The first phase is prototyping phase; according to 
Laxminaraya (1986) prototyping phase was first used by University of 
Texas USA in 1936 for circulation functions with the use of punched 
cards, sorters, tabulators, etc. Libraries in North America as well as in 
United Kingdom were also involved in prototyping phase. Reasons for
44
the failure of Prototyping phase according to Teddy (1977) are: 
inadequate computer technology as at that time, Librarians not sure of 
their requirement of computer based system and lack of understanding 
on the part of IT personnel on Librarians' requirement for computer 
based system.
The second phase is known as Local area network (LAN) phase 
(LANP: 1960-1970): This period witnessed application of general 
purpose digital computer to execute library functions for packaging, 
processing, storing and retrieving of information. In this era, application 
of computers to handle library functions was done offline. The 
implication of this is that, performing library functions was being carried 
out on standalone systems. This era later ushered in networking of these 
standalone systems to create Local Area Network Configuration (LAN 
CONFIG.). This means that whatever library function being performed 
was limited by what Local Area Network (LAN) dictated because 
patrons had to register their physical presence in the library before 
anything meaningful in terms of access to information could be achieved. 
Teddy (1977) reported that during Local Area Networking (LAN) phase, 
Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) was undergoing prototyping 
stage in the United States of America (USA). Also, Machine Readable 
Catalogue i.e. MARC came into existence during this period at the 
Library of Congress, U.S. A for providing standardization in automation. 
The Ohio College Library Centre (OCLC) was set up in 1967 as an online 
system  which marked the beginning of cooperative system s 
(Interoperability of Information Systems) and union catalogue. The 
distribution of records in the new MARC II format started in 1969 by the 
Library of Congress.
Interoperability of information systems phase (IOISP: 1970 to date): 
Interoperability of information systems (Cooperative Systems) was first 
witnessed in the 1970s. This initiative was embraced and adopted 
because people realized that no library was an Island; that is what a 
library does not have can be sources for and accessed from other libraries 
in the world, irrespective of geographical location of such library. This 
era ushered in implementation of consortium, that is, resource sharing, 
among libraries. This was achieved through reaching compromise on 
establishing minimum standards of connectivity in terms of hardware 
(specification of server with the same requirements in terms of 
configurations) and software (that is having common platform for 
harvesting contents) among those libraries engaging in consortium 
initiatives. The growth of library network and databases was witnessed 
during this phase. Also, external storage devices such as: magnetic tapes
45
and floppy disks (31/2and 51/4) were used for offline storage of 
information. In the 1980s there was intensive use of online systems 
networks, optical disks, CD-ROMs etc. Microcomputers were also 
introduced in the libraries to perform daily processes (Rajagopalan, 
1986). The aforementioned gives the general overview of historical 
background of automation from global perspective.
Revolutionary change has begun in Nigerian libraries today/ 
particularly university libraries, which are the focus of this paper. This 
development can be attributed to the adoption and implementation of 
Information Technology (IT) in the library systems in the country. In 
different fora of the gathering of information professionals, a lot of noise 
is being made about the need for libraries to be automated. Automation 
in essence is nothing but application  of In form ation  and 
Communications Technology (ICT) tools to perform library functions 
(Acquisitions, Cataloguing, Circulation, Serials Control, etc.) in order to 
reduce human interaction and enhance performance. By so doing, some 
of the inherent benefits such as: saving energy sapping exercise, quality 
of job done and throughput, accuracy and precision of the output 
generated, among others will be achieved.
The concept of library automation is gradually gaining ground in 
Nigerian Libraries, particularly in university libraries. While some 
libraries are implementing automation process others find it difficult to 
implement because of lack of fund, library personnel are afraid of losing 
their jobs if computers take over, sense of incompetence in using 
computer, level of infrastructural development in the country, etc.( 
Ogunrombi, 1992; Omeluzor, Adara, Ezinwayi, Bamidele and Umahi, 
2012; Otunla, 2016) The study therefore runs through the memory lane of 
automation efforts in University libraries in Nigeria by presenting stories 
of successes and challenges. The focus of this study is to examine 
automation efforts in public and privately owned university libraries 
(PPOULs) in the South-West Nigeria by identifying university libraries 
that had implemented automation process. This study will be carried out 
under the following stated specific objectives:
1. Identify University libraries in South-West, Nigeria that have been 
automated.
2. Determine types of automation software being used in each of 
PPOULs
3. Give the description of automation software being used for 
automation in PPOULs.
46
4. Identify modules activated to perform library functions by PPOULs.
5. Determine their web presence through availability of accessible
WebPAC/Online portal.
6. Identify common challenges faced by PPOULsin the South-West,
Nigeria.
Literature Review
Library automation in Nigerian libraries started in the eighties and in 
the nineties, (Ogunrombi, 1985and Ossai-Ugbah and Ogunrombi, 2013). 
In spite of the fact that automation started in Nigerian libraries more than 
three decades ago, many libraries are yet to adopt and implement 
automation process due to paucity of funds. Some libraries who had 
implemented automation are migrating from one library software to 
another due to either failures of the library software being used or need 
for achieving flexibility and robustness in respect of operations. 
Academic libraries in Nigeria have made several efforts in implementing 
different automation software; this includes proprietary, open source 
and in-house library software but they are faced with different 
challenges. For example, Ossai-Ugbah and Ogunrombi (2013) recounted 
that the first concerted effort at automating library in Nigerian federal 
universities failed woefully. Ogunrombi (1992) stated that Ladoke 
Akintola University of Technology (LAUTEC) Ogbomoso library 
automation project commenced in 1991 with TINLIB but was hampered 
due to dearth of funds to maintain the project. In 2011, the library 
migrated to Koha Integrated Library System (ILS),open source software. 
Fatoki (2004) reported that the Kenneth Dike Library (KDL), University 
of Ibadan took a giantstep in automation in 1991 through embarking on 
the creation of its own database, using the mini micro CDS/ ISIS software 
package. The library, according to the author migrated from CDS/ISIS to 
TINLIB in 1993 as a result of the need to convert to the use of Library of 
Congress Machine Readable Catalogue (LCMARC). In 1998, an upgrade 
to a newer version 300 was done. This initiative was taken in response to 
the National Universities Commission (NUC) directive that all the 
federal Universities in the country must use common platform for 
creating their databases. In the year 2000, as a result of teething problems 
encountered with TINLIB, the library purchased Integrated Technical 
Services (ITS) for windows. This was a cataloguing tool with LC records 
since 1968 till date.When the need for migrating to a more robust ILS 
which would provide flexibility was felt, the library migrated to Alice for 
windows. What necessitated the need for migration is that TINLIB was a 
Disk Operating System Based (Dos-Based) ILS which did not provide the
47
envisaged flexibility in terms of operation but a window-based ILS (e.g., 
Alice for windows) does. In 2008, the library migrated to VIRTUA (A web- 
based ILS that supports interoperability of information system) alongside 
other five federal Universities with support from Carnegie and Mac Arthur 
foundations. Currently, KDL is using VIRTUA together with in-house 
software, the University of Ibadan Integrated Library System (UIILS).
Zaid (2004) shared University of Lagos automation experience. The 
author reported that University of Lagos library is one of the beneficiaries 
of TINLIB (The Information Navigator Library Software). The Library 
adopted TINLIB in 1994 and by July 1999, the library systems were 
configured to access the web, giving the library full Internet 
Connectivity.The Library later migrated to GLAS (Graphical Library 
Automation Systems) in 2000 due to the inability of TINLIB to import 
data from window-based software and the frustrations faced by the users 
when they cannot easily manipulate the system to get what they are 
looking for in the library. The library is currently using Millennium ILS.
Otunla and Akanmu-Adeyemo (2010) reported that Bowen 
University Library, a privately owned university started her first 
automation project in 2007 with Koha, an Open Source Integrated 
Library System. The authors stated that all modules are in use and as a 
result it enhances the operations and provision of a robust information 
services delivery to users. The response from users' surveyed carried out 
by the authors showed that library users prefer the automated system to 
the manual system; because some users stated that OP AC search is 
easier, faster and better compared to a search through the card catalogue 
which is purely a traditional system that enables them to know the status 
of items in the library. Koha ILS has been in use since 2007 to date and 
there is no known major setback since its adoption.
Adegbore (2010) also gives an account of Nimbe Adebimbe Library 
of Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta automation experience 
with TINLIB in 1994 and from TINLIB to GLASS. The library could not 
maintain the software because of high cost of annual maintenance fees. 
The library migrated to Koha ILS in 2013 and it is currently in use.
Adekanye (2011) also shares Lagos State University Library 
automation experience. According to the author, LASU automation 
effort started since 1984 but the actual process of computerization 
operation was between 2002 and 2004. In 2003, the library adopted the 
use of Alice for windows. The author concludes that the automation 
process enables the library to boast of functioning computerized 
integrated system which allows them to offer a great number of services 
and improve the quality of their services greatly.
48
Imo and Igbo (2011) stated thatObafemi Awolowo University started her 
automation process with TINLIB between 1996 and 2003 and like other 
federal Universities adopted VIRTUA in 2007. The authors also reported 
that Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) started with 
GLASS in 2003 and the library is presently using SLAM.
Omeluzor, et al (2012) recounted the Babcock University automation 
experience. The paper explains that Babcock library adopted X-Lib 
software in 2003, but the software has a limitation because it is not web 
based. In 2010 the Library migrated from X-Lib to Koha ILS andimported 
23,274 records from X-Libinto Koha ILS. The paper established that there 
is no major setback since the implementation Koha at Babcock University 
Library except epileptic power supply which is a general problem to 
every automation project in Nigeria.
Mbakwe and Ibegbulam (2014) recounted automation experience at 
University of Nigeria, Enugu (UNEC) Library. The library at several 
times automated with TINLIB, X-LIB and LIB+ but later abandoned them 
due toinadequate funding, high subscription cost, shortage and lack of 
skilled manpower, erratic power supply and frequent system failure. 
Akpokodje and Akpokodje (2015) also reported that University of Jos 
started her automation in 2001 with the Integrated Technical Services 
(ITS) for windows ILS and later migrated to VIRTU Ain 2007. In 2013 the 
Library adopted the use of Koha ILS due to fire outbreak in the library. 
Studies have shown that most libraries in Nigeria are partially 
automated. This is because some of these libraries are yet to fully 
implement all the automation modules. Of all the modules, cataloguing 
modules is the most used, followed by circulation modules while 
acquisitions and serials modules are rarely used by libraries (Issa, Ayodele, 
Abubakar and Aliyu, 2011; Otunla, 2015 and Otunla, 2016).
There are many challenges faced by libraries in Nigeria in the 
implementation of automation process. The challenges includes erratic 
power supply (Omeluzor, et al, 2012 and Mbakwe and Ibegbulam, 2014), 
insufficient funds (Adegbore, 2010; Egunjobi and Awoyemi, 2012; Ossai- 
Ugbah and Ogunrombi, 2013and Otunla, 2016), Librarians attitude 
towards automation, lack of specialized ICT staff and poor ICT skills 
(Ogunrombi,1992; Egunjobi and Awoyemi, 2012 and Otunla, 2016). 
These challenges have created setbacks for few libraries while others still 
recorded success in the face of these challenges.
Methodology
The research design for this study is descriptive research design 
using questionnaire to elicit information from the respondents. The
49
purpose of using this method is to obtain information and describe the 
current status of the automation in libraries under survey.
Population
The population is made up of all universities in South-West Nigeria 
except Open University which is not a conventional University. There are 
thirty-nine (39) universities (Table 1) in the South-West geo-political 
zone of Nigeria as at March, 2016.The study used the total enumeration 
since the population size is small and also to ensure participation of all 
university libraries in South-West. Therefore, there is no need for 
sampling. Table 1 shows the number of universities in the South-West 
Nigeria by state.
TABLE 1: Population of University Libraries in South-West, Nigeria
State Federal State Private Total
University University University
Lagos 1 1 4 6
Oyo 1 1 2 4
Ogun 1 2 9 12
Ondo 1 2 3 6
Ekiti 1 1 1 3
Osun 1 1 6 8
Total 6 8 25 39
Source: www.nuc.edu.ng
Instrument
The major instrument used for data collection for this study is 
questionnaires. A structured questionnaire was designed using Google 
forms (https://goo.gl/forms/bwxvuLVKT9W HOW PR2) to elicit 
information and the link was sent to theSystems Analysts/Librarians of 
each of the libraries via e-mail. All the libraries responded therefore the 
response rate was 100%. Responses were collected by Google in an Excel 
sheet forma for analysis. Observation method was also used to observe 
Library Portals of each of the university libraries to determine their web 
presence and availability of their OP AC on the Web (WebPAC) in order 
to enable remote access to the library's holdings.
Data Analysis
Data collected were analyzed using frequency counts and 
percentages which are presented in tables.
50
Analysis of the findings
TABLE 2a: Numbers of University Libraries with Automation
Option Frequency Percentage
Yes 24 61.5
No 15 38.5
Total 39 100
Table 2a illustrates that 24 (61.5%) of the universities libraries in South - 
West Nigeria had implemented automation while 15(38.5%) are yet to 
start automation process in their libraries. This finding indicates that 
more than half of the universities libraries in the South-West Nigeria are 
automated.
TABLE 2b: Number of University Libraries Automated by State
State Federal State Private Total
University University University
Lagos 1 1 1 3
Oyo 1 1 0 2
Ogun 1 2 5 8
Ondo 1 1 0 2
Ekiti 1 1 0 2
Osun 1 1 5 7
Total 6 ' 7 11 24
Table 2b shows number of university libraries that had implemented 
automation process by state. The Table reveals that University libraries in 
Ogun state top the list with 8(33.3%) among universities libraries that had 
implemented automation process. This is followed by Osun state with 7 
(29.2%) university libraries, 3 (12.5%) in Lagos state while Oyo, Ondo and 
Ekiti states recorded 2 (8.3%) university libraries each. The Table further 
shows that all the Federal University libraries in the South-West were 
automated. Seven (87.5%) out ofeight (8) State universities libraries were 
automated while 11(44%) out of twenty five (25) Private Universities 
libraries had implemented automation.
51
TABLE 3: Types of Software and Modules Used by University Libraries 
in South-West, Nigeria
S/N In stitu tion T ype o f  S oftw are M odu le  cu rren tly  in  U se
In s titu tion U sed
A cquisitions C ataloguing C ircu lation Serials
1. A d elek e  U niversity , Private K oh a
*
E d e, O sun state / / /
2 . B a b co ck  99 99 *
U n iversity , O gun  / / /
state
3 . B o w en  U niversity, 99 99
Iw o, Osun state ✓ / / /
4 . F ed eral U niversity  Federal 99
* * *
o f  A gricu ltu re , /
A b eo k uta , O gun  
state
5. Fed eral U niversity  99 99
* * *
O y e-E k iti, Ekiti /
state
6 . Foun tain  U niversity  Private 99
* * *
O so g b o, Osun state /
7. Jo sep h  A yo  Private 99
* / / /
B ab alolaU n iversity , 
A rak eji, O sun state 4
8. L ad o k e  A k intola  State 99
U n iversity  o f  / / * *
T ech n ology  
O g b o m o so , O yo  
state
9 . M ountain  Top  Private 99
U n iversity , Ogun  * / * ♦
state,
10. O sun State  State 99
U n iversity , O sogb o. * / * *
11. R e d e e m e r s  Private 99
U n iv e r s i ty  E d e ,  / / / ✓
O s u n  s ta te
12. Tai Solarin  State 99
U niversity  o f  * / * *
E d u ation , Ijebu  
O de, O gun state
52
1 3 . U n iv e rs ity  o f  Fed eral M illenium * V * *
L a g o s , A k o k a  
L a g o s  state
14. C o v e n a n t  P rivate n V V
U n iv e rs ity , O ta, 
O gu n  state
15. U n iv e rs ity  o f  Fed eral V IR T U A  and * V V
Ib ad an , O y o  state In -h ou se
(U IIL S )
16. O b afem i A w o lo w o  99 V IR T U A
* V * *
U n iv e rs ity , lie  -Ife  
O sun  state
17 . F e d e ra l U n iv ersity  99 S L A M
* V V *
o f  T ech n o lo g y  
A k u re , O n do state
18 . A d ek u n leA jasin S tate V V99
U n iv ersity ,
A k u n g b a -A k o k o
19. L a g o s  state  u A lic e  for * V * *
U n iv ersity , O jo o W in dow
2 0 . O lab isi O n aban jo  * V * *99
U n iv ersity , A g o -  
Iw o y e , O gu n  state '
2 1 . B e lls  U n iv ersity , P rivate L ib rary  V V * V
O ta , O gu n  state M an agem en t 
(in  h o u se)
2 2 . C raw fo rd  P riv ate K u lm ark  (in  V V V /
U n iv ersity  Ig b esa , hou se
O gu n  state
2 3 . E k iti S tate  S tate S L IM  (op en  V V V s
U n iv e rs ity so u rce )
2 4 . P a n  A fric a  P riv ate C D S /IS IS * V * *
U n iv e rs ity , L a g o s
i
NOTE: s  stands for fully implemented while* stand for not yet 
implemented
Source: field survey, July 2016
The respondents were requested to indicate library software and the 
module used. Table 3 shows that 12 (50%) out of 24 libraries that had 
implemented automation are using Koha ILS, while Millennium, SLAM,
53
VIRTUA and Alice for windows recorded 2 (8.3%) libraries each, 
CDS/ISIS, Kulmark, SLIM and Library Management recorded one 
library each while University of Ibadan Integrated Library System 
(UHLS) is used by Kenneth Dike Library (University of Ibadan) to 
complements VIRTUAL ILS. The Table also reveals that cataloguing 
module has been implemented by all libraries, 11 (45.8%) implemented 
circulation module while 9(37.5%) had implemented acquisitions and 
serials module. Further result revealed that two of the libraries(i.e. 
Fountain University and Mountain Top University) installed Koha LIS 
less than six months as at the time of collecting data for this study
TABLE 4: Description of ILS Being Used by University Libraries in 
South-West, Nigeria
Description of ILS Frequency Percentage
Open source 13 52
Proprietary 9 36
Developed In-house 3 12
Total 25 100
n=25
Table 4 depicts that 13(52%) are using open-source software, 9(36%) 
used proprietary while only 3(12%) used in-house software. Further 
information provided by the respondents revealed that 4 libraries 
migrated from proprietary library software to Koha which is an open 
source, while one of the libraries that are presently using proprietary 
software indicated that the library will soon migrate to an open source 
because of the high cost of maintaining the proprietary software 
presently used by the library.
TABLE 5: Web Presence of University Libraries in South-West, Nigeria
Option Frequency Percentage
Portalonly 14 58.3
Portal and Web PAC 4 16.6
None 6 25
Total 24 100
Table 5 depicts the web presence of university libraries in the South 
West, Nigeria. Respondents were requested to indicate whether they
54
have library portal or not in order to determine their availability on the 
web.To determine the web presence, the authors searched online for each 
of the libraries under study to find out if they have a portal as well as Web 
PAC as at March 2016. The findings shows that only 4(16.6%) have both 
portal and Web PAC, 14(58.3%) have only portal while6(25%)have 
neither portal nor Web PAC.
TABLE 6: Common Challenges Being Faced by University Libraries in 
South-West, Nigeria
Challenges Frequency Percentage
Lack of constant power supply 24 100
Insufficient staff to carry 20 83.3
out automation process
Insufficient funds to maintain 13 54
the automation Projects
Librarians' attitudes towards automation 12 50
Hardware and software problems 11 45.8
Poor ICT skills among Librarians 10 41.6
Lack of specialized ICT staff 10 41.6
Table 6depicts that all (100%) respondents indicated that lack of 
constant power supply,83.3% indicated in sufficient staff to carry out 
automation process while 54% indicated insufficient funds to maintain 
the automation process as the major challenges faced by University 
Libraries in the South-West, Nigeria. Lack of specialized ICT staff and 
Poor ICT skills among Librarians are the least challenge faced by the 
libraries with 41.6% respondent.
Discussion of the Findings
The study found that among thirty-nine university libraries in the 
South-West Nigeria, 24(61.5%) had implemented automation. The 
findings also revealed that all Federal Universities, 7 out of 8 state 
university and 11 out of 25 private universities in the South West had 
implemented automation. Further finding indicates that Ogun state has 
the highest number of libraries(8) that had implemented automation. 
This finding shows that in spite of the fact that automation started over 3 
decades ago in Nigeria some library are yet to embrace the benefit of 
automation. One would have expected that all university libraries in 
Nigeria would have been automated by now; surprisingly some are still
55
operating manually. Inadequate funding has been reasons preventing 
some libraries in Nigeria from implementing automation. Few of those 
that had implemented automation process are still at infancy stage while 
others are partially automated. Some libraries are still using the card 
catalogue with the OP AC claiming that the card catalogue is been used as 
backup in case there is no power supply. This finding confirms Issa et al 
(2011) and Otunla (2016)that some libraries are complementing their ~ 
automation project with manual operation.
On type of software used, Koha, Millennium, SLAM, VIRTUA Alice 
for windows, CDS/ISIS, Kulmark, SLIM and Library Management, and 
University of Ibadan Integrated Library System (UI-ILS) are being used 
by the libraries under study. Koha was used by 12(50%) libraries. The 
highest percentage recorded by Koha ILS indicated that Koha isthe most 
used Library software by Universities in the South West Nigeria. This 
finding is in agreement with Otunla (2015)study on "Adoption and Users 
perception of Koha ILS in Nigeria". The finding revealed that Koha 
gained more popularity among libraries in the South-Westgeo- political 
zone of Nigeria.
On type of module implemented, cataloguing module has been 
implemented by all libraries, 45.8% implemented circulation module 
while 37.5% had implemented acquisitions and serials module 
respectfully. The finding indicates that some libraries are not enjoying 
full benefit of automation since all the modules are not fully 
implemented. This finding corroborates that of Issa et al (2011), Abbas 
(2014) and Otunla (2016) that only cataloguing module is mostly used by 
libraries in Nigeria while other modules are partially being implemented 
or proposed.
The study also found that 54% are using open-source software, 32% 
used proprietary while only 12% used in-house software. For example 
University of Ibadan uses proprietary (Virtual) and complement with in- 
house (University of Ibadan Integrated Library System (UI-ILS). This 
finding shows that more libraries are using open-source ILS. Some 
libraries indicated that they migrated to open source because they can no 
longer afford the high cost of annual subscription to proprietary 
software. Two of the libraries also indicated that they would soon 
migrate to open source. Open source may be the solution to libraries in 
Nigeria that are yet to implement automation process because of lack of 
fund.
Most of the libraries studied do not have a WebPAC. It was only 
16.6% that have both portal and Web PAC; 58.3% have library portal 
while 25% have neither library portal nor WebPAC. In this technological
56
age, libraries and Librarians must ensure that they are visible on the web 
so that they can remain relevant to their users. It is important that 
libraries create web pages and platform where users can access their 
resources and use their services. Many library users now prefer e- 
resources because they can access anytime anywhere without necessarily 
coming to the library. If the Librarians do not take the library to them by 
been visible online, they will lose their customers. Libraries that had 
implemented automation process should take it to another level by 
creating an avenue whereby their users can access library resources 
remotely without coming to the library.
The study also found that the major challenges faced by the 
universities library in the South-West Nigeria are lack of constant power 
supply, insufficient staff to carry out automation process and insufficient 
funds to maintain the automation projects. Omeluzor, et al (2012) and 
Mbakwe and Ibegbulam (2014) confirmed these findings. Lack of power 
supply is a common challenge faced by libraries in Nigeria because it has 
negative implication on the library data as well as the equipment that 
houses the data (Computer). In respect of data, if it had not been saved 
before the power source was interrupted; it is like starting data entry all 
over again which is considered to be time wastage. In terms of the 
equipment that houses the data, its components may be malfunctioning. 
In order to guide against inadvertent loss of data and equipment failure, 
there is need for a reliable power backup. However, few libraries had 
overcome the problem of erratic power supply. For example Otunla and 
Akanmu-Adeyemo (2010) reported that Bowen University Library was 
added to the priority areas that needs power supply in the university 
since their automation project in 2007. Also, Ojedokun, Otunla, Adigun, 
Adekunle, Oshiname, Olla, and Omotayo (2015) confirmed that Bowen 
Library now has her own power generating set since the library moved to 
her permanent building and their two servers were powered by 
inverters.
Another major challenge identified in the study is insufficient staff to 
carry out automation project. The available Information Technology (IT) 
staff to drive automation project in terms of setting up a sustainable 
platform for successful implementation in PPOULs is grossly 
inadequate. In most cases, a job that is supposed to be performed by three 
staff is being handled by one staff only. This undermines the integrity of 
the platform being set up for proper implementation to aid effective 
information services delivery, talk less of the associated health 
implications when the affected staff is being overworked. Lack of fund 
has always being considered as a major setback in previous automation
57
attempt in the past (Ogunrombi, 1992; Adegbore, 2010 and Egunjobi and 
Awoyemi, 2012). But today, library could go for open source library 
software to reduce the cost of automation since they will only pay for the 
hardware alone and not the software.
Lack of specialized IT staff among library personnel also contributed 
to major setback faced by libraries in South-west, Nigeria. According to 
Haider (1998) "emphasis on library education had previously been on 
traditional librarianship in Pakistan and as a result there is scarcity of 
Librarians who could plan, design, program and implement various 
components of automation". Librarians lack adequate knowledge about 
computers and its potential in implementing library automation. Also, 
lack of competent Information Technology (IT) personnel with adequate 
qualifications in the library schools aggravates the predicaments of 
graduates of our library schools in Nigeria. As a result, there is need to 
employ librarian with computer science background as Systems 
Librarian/ Administrator.
Librarians' attitude toward automation is very important for a 
successful automation project. Attitude, according to Eagly and Chaikan, 
(1993) is "a psychological tendency that is expressed by evaluating a 
particular entity with some degree of favour or disfavour". People 
naturally resist change; be it positive or negative and they work towards 
resisting the change without considering whether the change will benefit 
them or not. This is the case among librarians as many still want to stick to 
manual method of processing materials instead of going into full 
automation. There is need for Librarians to change their attitude towards 
automation project because implementation of automation will not harm 
the library operations instead it will benefit the library and add value to 
library operations and services.
Conclusion
The study surveyed automation efforts in public and privately 
owned university libraries in South-West Nigeria. Effort made on 
automation by different university libraries was also examined. The 
finding indicates thatl5 (38.5%) of university libraries in South-West, 
Nigeria are yet to implement automation process. All these libraries are 
privately owned university libraries. This shows that all public (both 
federal and state) libraries had been automated. The population of those 
that are yet to automate their libraries in South-West, Nigeria is still high 
considering the fact that automation effort started over three decades ago 
in Nigeria. Therefore all university libraries that are yet to implement 
automation process in their library should do so in order to meet various
58
information demands of their users. Libraries that had implemented 
automation process should also endeavour to maintain it and organized 
frequent training for both library staff and users. The positive role of 
automation in any academic library, particularly in the university 
settings cannot be over emphasized. It has associated growing list of 
benefits when it is adopted and implemented with unalloyed 
commitment on the part of both the management and staff of the affected 
library. The initiative will enhance effective information services 
delivery and at the same time increase output. There are many challenges 
highlighted in this study that libraries might encounter during and even 
after the implementation of automation process. These challenges vary 
from one library to another; therefore libraries should not be discouraged 
and make use of the solution proffered in this study because the benefits 
of automation outweigh that of the challenges they may face. Based on 
the challenges highlighted, this study hereby recommends that:
* Servers and computers should be powered with both strong and 
reliable Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS). Each library should also 
have a dedicated generator or preferably inverter for university 
libraries that can afford it.
* Libraries should employ librarian with com puter science 
background as Systems Librarian/Administrator who will be in 
charge of the automation project for effective information services 
delivery.
* As a result of lack of fund, libraries should adopt open source LIS 
where they will not need to pay annual subscription fee instead of 
proprietary software where they will pay higher fees annually.
* Librarian should be sensitized on the need for automation, stating its 
benefits to the institution and the community it serves.
* Librarians should also endeavour to change their attitude from 
traditional practice and shift to modern way of library operations and 
services.
59
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