Cataloguing for digital services in 21st century Nigerian library: Prospectus and challenges

Abstract

The paper examines usefulness of cataloguing for digital services and challenges faced during the process. Digital or online catalogue is designed so that the documents can be accessed via terminals, so that library users may directly and effectively search for and retrieve bibliographic records without the assistance of ahuman intermediary. In spite of usefulness of digital cataloging,like flexibility and been current, easy updating among others, Nigerian libraries are not properly practicing digital cataloguing because of challenges like erratic power supply, inadequate funding, under-staffing, lack of cataloguing expertise or knowledge among others. The present paper also describes that these challenges can be overcomed by the provision of adequate funds, adequate staffing and training, and stable power supply.

Keywords: Cataloguing, digital cataloguing, prospects, challenges, library, Nigeria.