Software Migration in Selected University and Special Libraries in Nigeria

Transcription

1 Software Migration in Selected University and Special Libraries in Nigeria Abstract Benson Oghenevwogaga Adogbeji Delta State University Library, Abraka, Nigeria Dr. Kenneth I. N. Nwalo Department of Library, Archival and Information Studies, University Of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria Okonoko, Ngozi Vera College of Education Library, Agbor, Delta State David Oghenevwogaga Toyo Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria The work has surveyed migration in selected University and Special Libraries in Nigeria, which was based on the experience of seven automated libraries in which four have changed from one library software to another. The objective of the study is to ascertain the major consideration in the choice of software by the selected library, to examine the problems encountered and reasons for the change of software. Questionnaire was used in data collection; a total of (70%) of the questionnaire were used for analysis. Simple percentage was used to compute statistics of the findings. The study revealed that among the seven libraries, four have changed from one library application software to another while some are still in search of the library software to adopt. This was attributed to factors such as lack of systems analysis before and after embarking on the purchase of the software, lack of maintenance or technical support, limitation of software, absolute nature of the operating systems on which the software run. Recommendations made in the study include systems analysis study of library operations before embarking on automation, providing electricity, setting aside some fund for maintenance among others while it is recommended for the library software developers to endeavor to always develop upgrade that will not wipe not away old data, software that will be compatible with other library software sponsor users group conference among as this will help in automation process in Nigeria libraries. Introduction For almost three decades now, computers have come to play a significant role in the processing of information in Nigeria. While Nigeria is gradually moving in the field of 33

2 information technology, three has been an unprecedented growth in the world s information technology applications in the handling of information of scattered all over a wide range of database and libraries. At present library operations in Nigeria are still largely manual with all the attendant delays. User frustration in having access to piece of information is increasing everyday due to unsatisfactory service of the libraries. In the past decade, a significant number of university and special libraries in Nigeria have introduced computers to their operations. A major concern of Nigeria University and special libraries at present are the choice of dependable library software. Many libraries have as it were, lost so much by the choice of software they have made. Many software vendors are offering their products to Nigeria libraries; a god number of the libraries cannot adduce justifiable reason for their choice. This is due to the fact that the choice of software is a function if individual library situation in terms of available labour, cost, types of users, collection size, the kind of service rendered, the nature of the library, among others. For Nigeria library to improve on their choice of software and so reduce the incidence of failed library automation, this survey becomes very pertinent as it has been observed that so many automated libraries in Nigeria are either not using library software they have purchased or in the threshold of changing to another within a short of committing fund to the project. This has spurred the researchers in carrying out this research work. Ugah (2001) defined library automation as the use of computer to carry out library services that are routine and repetitive. Such services that involve routine and repetition include acquisition-requests, selection, ordering, processing of arrivals, cataloguing, circulation, information storage and retrieval, current awareness services, bibliographic searches. Computers are very useful in managing library process more rapidly, more accurately, more efficiently, and more effectively and on running at less expense. Computers have become very useful in many library operations that are repetitive and routine as well as those those are very boring and subject to human error. Computers have been able to help in overcoming increasing library workload as a result of increase in the amount of published literature. Computers also assist library staff in offering improved and new services in areas such as current awareness services, selective dissemination of information among others. Additionally, the use of the Internet has become very vital in library service. Library staff and other library users can now get information from other libraries with other libraries with just a click of the mouse. In fact the rule of the computer in the general sense is so wide and so important that a library that exists without automation or use of computer is, at best managing to exist in the scheme of things. This is because a better-managed information system is made possible by the use of computers. The usefulness of information is a function of its timelessness. Getting the right information at the right time and in the right format depends on the facilities used its processing storage and its dissemination. The role of information technology cannot be overemphasized in the Digital Age, especially in information management. Moreover, library books can only be accessed by physically visiting a given library. This is in contrast with information access form remote database made possible by information technology. Data accumulation has come about from the marriage of the computer and telecommunications generally called information and communication technology. At present, we have electronic 34

3 communication through which individuals, companies libraries and end users can process, store, retrieve and disseminate information at very great speed and efficiently. Addressing the issue of automation, Atinmo (2000) stated that sensitization the benefits will be a rewarding exercise for the library profession in Nigeria at this time. She examine basic actions of information retrieval system objective is to provide timely and relevant information to potential users in the most effective way and in a suitable sufficient complete form. For this to be possible, information resource or data collected from the external world need to be store in the computer system for retrieve/searching to be easy. Effort to make the approach easy brought Mosuro (2000) view that the use of commuter-based system in library and information is now commonplace all over the world. Mosuro identified five guidelines to automation. These include feasibility study, hardware and soft ware selection, system installation, system evaluation and system maintenance. Adedigba and Ezomo (2003) examined the management of systems migration in an African setting. They postulated that there are some reasons why people change software. They closely studies International Institute of Tropical Agricultural (IITA) and deducted that the library service of the institute ware computerized in The authors highlight some reasons in selecting library software but strongly noted that at one time or the other IITA had changed from one library software to another, but currently settled on INMAGIC. The change cut across CDS/ISIS, MINISIS etc. from the study carried out, it observed that software limitation ware notes but the criteria for the software selection were not brought out through the important features of the INMAGIC software were outlined. Certainly the IITA library has change her software quite often because of her dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of the existing one for information management. The researcher are of the opinion that to avoid this kind of problem system analysis of what software is needed and the vision/objective of the library should be strictly adhered to before choosing software and also systems should be frequently updated. Adeyemi (2002) was of the opinion that the Kenneth Dike Library automated its cataloging process in Adeyemi identified some constraints inhibiting the success of the process to automation funding, scarcity of systems analysts, and absence of dedicated commitment to automation on the part of the management. She stressed that the attitude of the management to automation is poor. The maintenance culture according to her is very poor. In the area of software, Adeyemi pointed out that Kenneth Dike library used CDS/ISIS, which they got use to after the initially difficulties. TINLIB was used to replace CDS/ISIS. Problem Statement: Since 70s Nigerian University libraries have embarked on automation of libraries at one time or the other. More funds have been spent yet the report in most libraries is that they abandoned the library software for another even within short time of implementing the previous software. There is frequent migration of library software from one type to another. This calls for concern hence this research to ascertain the truth about library software migration in the selected libraries. 35

4 Objective of the Study: The objective of this study is to ascertain the migration pattern of the selected four library software in the selected libraries in Nigeria. Research Question: Why the migration of software from one type to another in the selected seven libraries. Background of the libraries studied The Petroleum Training Institute (P.T.I.), Effurun The institute was established by Act No. 37 of 1972 and subsequently amended by Act No. 52 of In order to meet the objectives for which the library was setup the library decided to automate her library services in 1999 and used the GLAS software. The library considered it to costly to purchase additional modules to the catalogue it had and decided for X-LIB that is integrated and less costly. There are two information professionals and entire library staff are computer literate. The institute library has used two-library software within the short period of automation. The library abandoned GLAS in 2001 for X-LIB that was installed in 2002 due to the fact that catalogue module that the library purchased could not handle all the activities but became too costly to purchase the complete software. The library is operating a network system with about fourteen workstations. The library has serve and a backup serve with Zip drive backup device. The Kenneth Dike Library University of Ibadan, Ibadan The University of Ibadan Library was established in 1948 but the Kenneth Dike Library was established in 1954 and the research library, an extension to the main building was opened in Ikem and Ajala (2000) noted that the Kenneth Dike library is a large library and inadequacy of the CDS/ISIS, they decided for IMES TINLIB software. The network version of TINLIB was installed in 1983 as initiated by NUC for all Nigeria federal University Libraries. Ikem and Ajala strongly observed that TINLIB is made up of modules such as catalogue, and retrieval, circulation control, monograph acquisitions, serials server. The choice of software, which has been a general problem, is equally behind the change from one library software to another, possible X-LIB or GLAS or other one. Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library (HOL)-Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Abolaji (2000) reported that initial attempts to computerized the cataloguing processes of H.O.L, O.A.U. Ile-Ife began in that 1979s. Some funds were made available to conduct feasibility studies the guidance of the university computer center to find out the best way the library can enjoy the facilities provided by the centers mainframe computer (H.O. Library room, 1999). At Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, Obafemi University in Nigeria started meaningful 36

5 library automation in 1997 in which they have twenty-two (22) professionals in the field of computer science and information science but with about fifty of their staff computer literate. At present they have used only one library software however decided to dump the TINLIB but strongly at the verge of changing to another since they have software. The Hezekiah Oluwasanmi library has their computer networked with twenty-two workstations as at the time this data was collected. They have a dedicated file server but only three workstations for clientele use. At present the university has been fully connected to /internet with the establishment of the services on the library s network HOL instituted two online services to the University communication. One of them is the HOL news, which is the on-line cataloguing output that informs the University of Library s Recent News. There is a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Technology), which gives the university community access to Internet. H.O.L has also been configured for Internet accessibility to surf the web thus giving her the opportunity to ride on the information super high way. At present the HOL have used only one library software TINLIB but strongly at the verge of changing to another since they have decided to dump the TINLIB John Harris Library. John Harris Library, University of Benin, Benin John Harris Library, University of Benin was founded in 1970 but started their library automation just some years ago, At present they have two professionals and some of the library staff are computer literate. They have only used one library software call SLAM-Strategic Library Application System, locally developed for them. They currently operate a network system for a common database center but with thirteen workstations and only one system dedicated to clientele. They have a server and a backup server as at time the data were collected. Kwara State Library Board (Service), Ilorin Kwara State Library board was found in 1967 but embark on automation of the library in The kwara State library board (service) is a public library by its nature and functions. The current building of the library has a seating capacity of 1,350 readers a t a time. It equally has a total of about 55,307 volumes of books. The library is currently using X-LIB library software. Six of the library staff has been trained on how to use their library information. At present three of the library staff have been assigned to work with the three workstations but none gas been assigned for library users for now. National Human Rights Commission Library, Abuja In the wave of automation of libraries, the National Human Right Commission library embarked on automation with the objective with the objectives of providing more effective services. The library was established in February 1998 and in August the same year, 1998 they went into automation. The library has used three-library software within the short time of automation; this includes CDS/ISIS, TINLIB and XLIB. University of Ilorin Library, Ilorin 37

6 The library was established in 1976 but embark on automation in 1997, the library has used two software, TINLIB and ALICE. The current software, ALICE is being use in a networked environment with eighteen (18) workstations but six workstations for clientele. There is dedicated file server where their databases are collectively stored. Methodology Questionnaire was used as the main data collection tool; a total of 7 (70%) of the questionnaire were used for analysis for the data were gathered from the seven libraries in three geo-political zones of the Nigeria, these consist of South-South (the Petroleum Training Institute ( P.T.I.) library, Effurun, John Harris Library, University of Benin) South-West (Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan, Kwara State Library Board, Illorin, University of Illorin Library, Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife) and North-Centre (Human Right Commission Library, Abuja). The data were gathered and analyzed, then presented in table using percentage. Findings: Library and year established: The Table 1 discussed the libraries and the year established. Name of Library Year Established Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan 1948 Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Kwara State Library Board (Service, Ilorin 1967 John Harris Library, University of Benin City 1970 Petroleum Training Institute Library, Effurun 1975 University of Ilorin Library, Ilorin 1976 National Human Right Commission Library, Abuja 1998 The study reviewed that the Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan was the first University Library to be established. It was founded in The Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, Obafemi Awolowo University was founded in The Kwara State Library Board (Service) was established in 1967 while the John Harris Library University of Benin was established in In the like manner, the Petroleum Training Institute Library, Effurun was founded in 1975 while the University of Ilorin was founded in Similarly, the National Human Right Commission Library was established in The Table 2 ahead showed the libraries and the year the library started meaningful automation. 38

7 Table 2: Name of library and year automated: Name of Library Year Automated Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 1991 Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ileife Kwara State Library Board (Service, Ilorin 1997 John Harris Library, University of Benin City 2002 Petroleum Training Institute Library, Effurun 1999 University of Ilorin Library, Ilorin 2001 National Human Right Commission Library, Abuja 1998 The Kenneth Dike attempted automation in 1975 with t he development of system to manage the serials collection and the library make use of the CDS/ISIS, but started meaningful automation in Similarly, the Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Lbrary, Obafemi Awolowo University started her library automation in 1997 so also is the University of Ilorin library. In similar development, the National Human Rights was established. The Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun started the automaton of her library in 1999 while the Kwara State Library Board (Service) started the automation in Finally, the John Library, University of Benin, embarked on the automation her library in Table 3: Library and the Number/type of software used Name of Library Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife. Kwara State Library Board (Service, Ilorin John Harris Library, University of Benin City Petroleum Training Institute Library, Effurun University of Ilorin Library, Ilorin National Human Right Commission Library, Abuja No. of software 2 (CDS/ISIS and TINLIB) 1 (TINLIB) 1 (X-LIB) 1 (SLAM) 2 (GLAS and X-LIB) 2 (TINLIB and ALICE) 3 (CDS/ISIS, TINLIB and X-LIB) At the Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan, 2 (CDS/ISIS and TINLIB) library software have been used. At the John Harris Library, University of Benin, 1 (SLAM) Library software is in use. Similarly at the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, 2 (GLAS and X-LIB) library software have been used. The current one in used is the X-Lib. Also, at the Kwara State Library Board (Service) 1 (X-LIB) library software is in use. At the Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, 1 (TINLIB) library software has been used. In a similar development, the National Human Rights Commission Library used the CDS/ISIS and the X-LIB in her library information management. Finally, at the University of Ilorin Library, 2 (TINLIB and ALICE) library software have been used. The library is currently using ALICE. 39

8 Table 4: Mode of decision Mode Yes % The Institution Management imposed it on the Library 3 43% The head librarian consented to conference, seminar, and workshop report 4 57% on the software There was preliminary system study before the purchase of the software 0 0% Total 7 100% Table 4 showed that 3 (43%) of the libraries based the library decision of software selection choice on management. About 4 (57%) heard of such software in conferences, seminar or workshops but none based the decision on preliminary system study before the purchase of such software. This showed that libraries change from one library software to another because they do not even study what ought to be in the software or analyzed the software during demonstration to ascertain if such library software could meet the library needs. This may not be far from the truth that so many library managers are not involved in the automaton process or they do not involve the competent staff to analyze or evaluate the software before/during use. Table 5 ahead showed the personnel involved in the analysis. Table 5: personal involvement in the analysis Personal Involved Yes % Some staff in the library 0 0 Proposed staff in the system division (computer unit) 0 0 Head of division of library 0 0 Expert in computer within the institution/library 0 0 Total 0 0 In table 5, one would see that there was no system analysis carried out as such any staff nor personnel were involved in the analysis either. This report is in line with Adeniran (1998) report, which showed that most decisions are based on what is heard from conference or workshop. 40

9 Table 6: Software features that cause changes to another application software. Library Software Reasons for the change Abandoned KDL CDS/ISIS It does not cover the library operation. Only catalogue module (software limitation) KDL TINLIB It does not have effective local maintenance agent, difficult in importing data and the system on which in runs was no longer in operation. Data importation using serial module is slow. NHRC TINLIBIT Does not use friendly and not easily upgradeable. Unilorin Library TINLIB The operating system on which it runs was no longer in operation, it does not process data fast enough, it is not easily upgradeable, it does not have local maintenance agent. P.T.I. Lib GLAS It does not have local maintenances agent, it is costly to purchase the complete module and it is slow in processing data for report. HOL TINLIB The operating system on which it runs was no longer in operation, it does not process data fast enough, it is not easily upgradeable, it does not have effective local maintenance agent. The problem encountered in each of the libraries with the studied software is categories as revealed in the 6 above. Summary of findings 1. There is software migration (frequent change) from one library to another in the survey libraries. 2. There has been no preliminary system analysis study before embarking on automation/selection of library n the surveyed libraries. 3. No term has bee formed and sent to look other automated libraries to appreciate their problems and prospect before embarking on automation/choosing library software. 4. Staff training has been considered important in the surveyed libraries. 5. Lack of local maintenance agents, electricity failure, lack of interest on part of the personnel using the software among others are the frustrating factors that militate against effective, efficient library automation in the selected libraries. Recommendations 1. Library management should try as much as possible to have analysis study of what they need software and also engage experts in the professional field of computer science, information science in addition to those in the librarianship profession. This will be of 41

10 help most especially when they are involved at the starting of the project. This is being able to have software specification in line with the library objectives thereby reducing software limitations within short time of its use. 2. Library/installation management should also make some fund for the staff development through training and retraining of the staff on the general use of computers and the use of library software. Moreover, users should equally be trained to ensure effective utilization of the automation. 3. Interest of staff and users of the software should be studied to pave way for effectiveness. Staff and resist automation will not always see anything good in automation. Hence, staff that indicate and derive interest in automation should be encouraged. 4. Electricity problem, which has been one of the factors that frustrate automation in Nigeria, should be addressed before embarking on automation. 5. To avoid frequent computerization failure, the library managers or the university management should endeavor to strictly adhere to the guidelines of automation. 6. At the start or before the automation commences, staffing the various field (computer sciences or systems analyst, librarianship and information scientist) should be sent to other automated libraries to ascertain their scope, appreciate their prospects and their difficulties to pave way for the stem to follow. 7. Staff that distinguished themselves in the application technology by efficiently renders his or her services should be encouraged further by training/development so that the best can come out of the new system. Acknowledgement: We wish to acknowledge the staff of Delta State University, College of Education, Warri and Petroleum Training Institute especially those that filled questionnaires for us in the process of this research. We equally appreciate the various authors we quoted especially in different sections of their work to meet literature needs of this study. Thank you all for your scholarly contribution to knowledge. References Adedigba, Y.A and Ezomo E.O. (2003). Management of systems migration in: African Journal of Library and Information Sciences Vol. 13 No. 1, Pp Adedigba, Y.A and Ezoma E.O. (2003) Management of system migration in African Journal of Library and information science Vol. 13. No. 1 Pp 33. Aderiran, O.R (1998) A survey of Library software in use in Southern. African Journal of Library, Archives and information science. Vol. 8 No. 2 Pp Adeyemi, B.M. (2002). Problems and challenges of automating cataloguing process at Kenneth Dike University of Ibadan, Nigeria: Africa Journal Library and Information Sciences. Ikem, J.E. and Ajala.B. (2000). Some Developments in Information Technology at the 42

11 Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan, In: Fayose P.O and Nwalo K.I.N (ed) Information Technology in Library and Information Sciences Education in Nigeria. Papers Presented at the 10 th Biennial Conference of the National Association of Library and Information science Educator (NALISE) Ibadan: National Association Library and Information Science Educators (NALISE). Pp Laudon, K.C et al (1996) management information system: new approaches to organism and technology. 5 th (ed). New jersey: prentice Hall Inc Pp Mosuro, T. (2000). Potential impact of micro information technologies on libraries and the library user. In: Bisi Ajibola and Muta Tiamiyu (ed) library automation for the Information age (concepts, technologies &strategies). Pp Tiamiyu, M.A (2000) Developing Automates Library systems in Developing Countries issues and strategies in: Bisi Ajibola and Tiamiyu (ed) library Automation for the information age (concept, technologies and strategies) Pp 63, 67, 73. Ugah A. D. (2002) library Automation: A practical approach in Lasisi J. et al. Automation of Cataloguing practices in Nigeria Libraries: Proceeding of selected Association, ( ) Ijebu-Ode: Seal Nigeria Enterprises. Pp