Involvement of non-professionals in cataloguing: a survey of practices in three academic libraries in Nigeria

The study examined the involvement of non-professionals in cataloguing practices in three academic libraries in Nigeria. Twenty five respondents comprising current cataloguers and those who had worked as cataloguers were used for the study. A descriptive survey method using a self-constructed questionnaire was used. Four research questions were posed and analysed using frequency counts and percentages. Results showed that the involvement of non-professionals in cataloguing is fast becoming a reality, with one university library depending more on non-professionals while the other two showed less dependence on them. Methods adopted by these libraries to ensure quality control include close supervision by professionals, training non-professionals in copy cataloguing, and designation of a librarian to constantly edit the catalogue for possible re-cataloguing. The use of prepared worksheets by librarians to be keyed in by non-professionals is the least used strategy. Other major findings include changes in cataloguing practices which comprise online cataloguing, cataloguing of Internet resources and electronic files, copy-cataloguing, different metadata structures, introduction of OPAC and the involvement of non-professionals in cataloguing practices. Outsourcing, procurement of ICT, employment of Systems Engineers as part of library staff, attendance of workshops and conferences among others were some of the strategies adopted to cope with these changes; however, the application of ICT was the most frequently used strategy. The study concluded that cataloguing practices in the libraries sampled have witnessed changes as a result of the application of ICT in organizing library materials which has in turn changed the role of cataloguers from merely providing bibliographic details of materials to that of supervision and other administrative functions, and in order to maintain relevance, librarians have been forced to build capacity in the area of ICT

Library and Information Support for New Partnership for Africa 's Development (NEPAD)

Despite abundant human and natural resources, Africa is adjudged the poorest region of the world. It has 34 out of the 44 countries in the globe classified as “least developed”. In trying to solve the problems of underdevelopment, African leaders have a determination to extricate themselves and the continent from the malaise of underdevelopment and exclusion in globalizing world. No one, no matter how benevolent, can identify and seek lasting solutions to the continent's impoverishment except Africans. It behooves our leaders to galvanize all available forces to redefine our external relationships, strengthen internal dynamics, and harness collective talents and will for making life more meaningful. Bukarambe (2004) avers that Africa is the poorest and most marginalized of all continents, with about half of its population living below the poverty line on less than $1 a day. There is impatience among a vanguard group, the rank and file of Africa, to reverse this hardship and to create a standard of living comparable to other continents

Accreditation issues for library and information science schools

Purpose: The paper examines the issue of accreditation, types, status and ethical considerations in Library and Information Science, with reference to other professions as a model to adopt. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper began by defining the concept of accreditation, objectives and types. It went further to discuss issues and status of accreditation with disciplines in Nigeria, Lessons from other disciplines in connection with there professional standards. It finally enjoined the Nigeria Library Association (NLA) and Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) to borrow a leaf from other developed countries to help ensure standards in the profession. Findings: from the paper accreditation is said to be a process by which institutions or programmes continuously update their educational standard through evaluation programme and institutional accreditation are the two types we have, some of the objectives of accreditation are: to stimulate and integrate the efforts of institutions to evaluate the standards of education; to strengthen the capabilities of the educational institutions for service to the nation; and to identify educational institutions that meets stated criteria for academic quality. In Nigeria, the National University Commission (NUC) is responsible for the accreditation of Library and Information Science (LIS) Schools, unlike in United Kingdom (UK) United State of America (USA) and Australia where professional bodies are chiefly responsible for the accreditation of LIS Schools. Other professional bodies in Nigeria like Nigeria Institution of Architecture, the Council of Legal Education, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and Chartered Accountants of Nigeria participate actively in the accreditation of their professions. It is therefore suggested that NLA and LRCN should live up to their responsibility by participating in the accreditation exercise of LIS Schools, provide parameter for recognition of the degrees and empower librarians and LIS Schools with adequate skills and competence to compete globally. Practical Implication: The NUC should incorporate NLA and LRCN to implement the stipulated standards for accreditation of LIS Schools. Originality: Its originality is in the writers’ analysis of accreditation issues in LIS Schools in Nigerian Universities, as against what is done in some other countries vis-à-vis other professions NLA, LIS School, NUC and LRCN have much lessons and information to gain from the work

Bibliotherapy and Aging Phobia among Covenant University Staff

Reading is one of life's greatest pleasures , and opens the door to culture, knowledge and independence.· It can be very therapeutic. This study examines the effect of bibliotherapy on aging.phobia among Covenant University academic and senior staff The result.shows that reading of books has influenced positively their perception .and attitude towards aging. And that books especially.., the. bible, ·internet and friends are major sources of information to ameliorate any fear of aging

Use of Academic Library: A Case Study of Covenant University, Nigeria

This study examines the extent of use of library resources in Covenant University, Nigeria. Two separate questionnaires were used to gather data. 400 registered library users were selected using the stratified random sampling technique. The findings revealed that 88% of the students sampled visited the library to read for examination while most faculties visited the library to read journals, electronic or print. Also, students used OPAC more than faculty. It is recommended that faculty give reading assignments that will require students to consult journals and other resources in the library, not just for examination purposes. And the library should organize a “library week” each semester to showcase the various resources available in the librar

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN TOWN AND GOWN THROUGH INFORMATION REPACKAGING: THE ROLE OF CENTRE FOR LEARNING RESOURCES, COVENANT UNIVERSITY, OTA, NIGERIA

Communities which host universities are supposed to have an edge over their counterparts in various areas of development. Covenant University has made outstanding conlributions towards the ' development of its host community, Ota. This has invariably helped in building a solid relationship between the university and the community. This paper examines the role that the 1111iversity library can play towards the development of the host community. it focuses on repackaging of the avalanche of information resources into formats that can be easily accessed by members of the rural community. information can be repackaged in form of songs, drama, stories; audiovisuals etc. Th is will help to conquer the barriers of language, time and distance which constitutes accessibility bottlenecks to the illiterate members of the host community. The study concludes that university libraries must take positive steps towards addressing the information needs of their host co;;mlunilies and ensure thai information is made accessible to them, irrespective of their educational and social background

Library Support for Covenant University’s Core Value of Capacity Building

The paper examined library support for Covenant University’s core value of capacity building. The objectives of the paper include: to explore the context of capacity building in Covenant University, examine various capacity building initiatives available to faculty, staff and students and to enumerate different ways the University Library supports capacity building in the University. Some of the capacity building initiatives of the University as identified by this study are; in-house postgraduate studies, trainings and conferences, faculty advance, total man concept, and building the total graduate. The study highlighted creation of escapist reading, , selective dissemination of information, empowerment of Heads of Departments/Units/Deans through targeted literature and creation of spiritual and leadership development section among others as some of the roles of the library in supporting the Covenant University core value of capacity building. The paper concluded by noting that it is necessary for individuals and organizations to accord capacity building a pride of place in the scheme of things as this is essential for maximum performance and productivit

Demographic factors as correlates of doctoral degree completion in Nigeria library schools

A review of literature revealed that doctoral students in Nigeria library schools do not complete their studies at the university recommended time frame. This study therefore examined demographic factors as determinants of doctoral degree completion in Nigeria library schools. The objectives were to find out the average time-to-completion of doctoral degree in Nigeria library schools; ascertain the importance of demographic factors such as gender, age, job designation, work status and marital status to time to completion of doctoral studies in Nigeria library schools; find out if mode of study affects time to- completion of doctoral studies in Nigeria library schools. The study adopted descriptive research of the survey type. From 26 library schools in Nigeria, 11 were purposively selected. The population comprised 235 doctoral degree holders. Total enumeration of the 235 doctoral degree holders was used. A self-constructed questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data and out of the 235 copies administered, only 183, representing 77.9% were returned and found usable for this study. The only hypothesis in the study was tested using Spearman Rank Order Correlation. This was tested at 0.05 level of significance. Results showed a relationship between demographic factors and time-to-completion, while it takes an average of 5.7 years to complete doctoral degree in Nigeria library schools irrespective of mode of study.

Career Commitment of Staff in Academic Libraries: A Comparative Study of Two Private University Libraries in Ogun State State,Nigeria

This paper is a comparative analysis of career commitment between professional and paraprofessional librarians in two private universities; Covenant University Ekiti and thr~ Bells University both in Ota, Ogun State of Nigeria. The study revealed that both professional . and paraprofessional librarians are committed to their ion carrier. A greater number of professional librarians in both The Bells University of · Nigerian. Technology and Covenant University admitted that they are very committed, This is expressed by 66. 7% and 78.6% respondents. Among the Para-professional iversity staff, 60%from the Bells and 52.6% from Covenant University admitted that they of are committed. The study showed that professional staff from both university libraries displayed commitment through the attendance of conferences, regular for attendance of professional meetings, embracing best practices among others. On the other hand, the paraprofessionals exhibit carrier commitment through incademic house trai~ings and embracing best practices. Passion, university education benefits and recognition stimulate both professional and paraprofessional staff to career choice. The study also revealed some motivational factors which contribute to career choice. They include rapid promotion, retirement benefits and good salary package among others. The paper recommended that employers should provide adequate motivation to library staff but also charged the employees to baso their choice of career on passion rather than fringe benefits that are accruable to a career. It also admonished them to distinguish between being in a job and building a caree

Mentoring and its Impact on the Publication Output of Librarians in Selected Academic Libraries in South-West Nigeria.

The paper examined the possible role ofmentoring in explaining the publication output of librarians in selected academic libraries. The paper sought to find out the number ofpapers that the academic librarians published annually, whether they are required to publish the same number of papers for promotion to particular grades as required of mainstream academics in their universities, whether they had mentors, and their perceptions of the impact of nientoring on their publication output. Data were collected from 66 academic librarians infour purposively selected universities in South- West Nigeria. Mentoring was perceived by the librarians to have a positive impact on their publication output, and that the major constraints on their publication efforts were their routine jobs and inability to conceptualise research topics. The study recommends that upcoming academic librarians should have mentors and collaborate with their senior colleagues until they are able to acquire the necessary skills to conceptualise research and publish quality papers. They should also transfer some of their routine duties to para-professionals in their libraries in order to be able to concentrate mnore on research-related activities such as reading extensively other peoples' works