EFFECTS OF INEFFECTIVE USE OF AUTOMATION IN MANAGEMENT OF LIBRARY SERVICES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF KDL AND UNILAG LIBRARIES

Abstract

The study was on the effects of ineffective use of automation in management of library services in Academic libraries in Southwest Nigeria: a case study of KDL and UNILAG libraries. Library automation is defined simply as the use of computer and networking technologies in the library.Study  showed  that  the major effects  of  ineffective use  of  automation  in  libraries is  lack of efficiency in library services(48.0%);this is followed by slow pace of work in the library(20.0%).Library automation does not lead to staff loss of their jobs(92.0%); that library automation is not too   costly   to   embark   upon   by  any   library(84.0%).   Libraries   gain   more  through   the  use   of automation(100%); automation makes library service delivery of her rich resources faster, easier and   better(72.0%).   Studied   libraries   hopes   for   a   full   automation   of   their   services   in future(88.0%), full automation can only be made possible by global world connection through automation service in libraries(40.0%); that there is solution to the problem of ineffective use of automation   in   the   libraries(96.0%),   this   can   be   achieved   by   staff   training   and   adequate funds(33.3%).   Circulation,   cataloguing,   reference,   serials   are   library   services   that   need automation from studied libraries(76.0%); cataloguing and circulation are the prominent library services   automated   in   studied   libraries(12.0%),   inadequate   funds   are   the   cause   why   other services are not  automated(36.0%), also lack of manpower(20.0%). Inadequate funds, erratic power supply, automation phobias are the main library automation problems in Nigeria.

Keywords: Effects, Use, Academic, Library, Management, Nigeria, Automation.