AUTOMATED LIBRARY SERVICES: AN ASSESSMENT OF BAZE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ABUJA

Abstract

This study focused on automated library services: an assessment of Baze university library Abuja, FCT. Related literatures were reviewed for the study. The target population comprised of staff and students in Baze University library, while the sample size was eighty; 17 staffs and 63 students. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire. A response rate of 90% was obtained. Frequency counts, percentage and mean score were used for the data analysis. The study revealed that Baze University Library has made significant progress in automating its services, with over 50% of its service fully automated. Findings also revealed that automation in library services can bring a range of benefits such as convenience, improved user-staff relationships and more. The study recommended that the library should work towards automating all the remaining services such as Serial Control, Inter-library lending, Reference, and User Orientation. This will enhance the overall effectiveness and efficiency of library operations. The study also recommended that Baze University library should consider backup of resources or contingency plans in case of internet or infrastructure failures. This might include having offline access to library databases.