APPLICATION OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY TO CIRCULATION SUBSYSTEM OF THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, ABEOKUTA,

Abstract

The study appraises the application of computer technology in circulation subsystem of the central library of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was designed and administered to ten (10) professional librarians in the circulation section of the library. In addition to the frequency distribution used to describe certain features of computer technology application in the library, chi-square was performed to test the librarians' views as regards reasons for automation.

The study observed the aroused interest of librarians and library users in the application of computer technology in the circulation subsystem. It also identifies reasons for the library automation, including improved services,Nigerian University Commission's (NUC's) directive and university policy (in this order) among others. Values attached to such reasons are however observed to vary significantly from one to another. As hindrance to the success of the computer application, the study identifies such problems as lack of software, inadequate power supply, network errors and poor maintenance of equipment. To alleviate the problems, recommendations were provided.