Adoption of Koha Integrated Library System (ILS) for the Automation of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University Library, Katsina, Nigeria: Problems and Prospects

Abstract

This study attempted to explore the gradual advancement of modern technology in libraries, it distinguished old and new innovations, creative efforts of librarians and information technologists through the various generations of automation revolution. The study also identify various components of the Integrated Library System (ILS) or Library Management System (LMS) which are used or being used in Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU) library as well as the services automated by the system. The study also identifies the exact reasons for adopting KOHA in UMYU library. It also explains the impact, challenges associated with the University library automation system. The study adopted quantitative approach as research paradigm; with survey as research methods. Questionnaires were the instrument used for data collection. The population of 42 library staff was used for the study. The data for the study were analyzed using tables and frequencies. From the findings of the study the two main services fully automated were the Circulation and Cataloguing, the library adopted the use of the KOHA ILS as it was a free open source and secondly for greater opportunities and innovation. However, retrospective conversion and Low Level of Literacy were the major challenges and a setback for the KOHA ILS implementation in the library understudy. The study recommended the need for the increase investment in the automation project to speed up the implementation of automation systems.