Keywords
Networking
Academic Libraries
Service Delivery
John Harris Library
University of Benin
KOHA
ICT
Digital Transformation
Abstract
The advent of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has precipitated a paradigm shift in the operational and service delivery models of academic libraries worldwide. This study evaluates the transformative impact of automation and networking technologies on service delivery at the John Harris Library (JHL), University of Benin (UNIBEN). The research was guided by three key objectives: to assess the level of automation implemented, to examine the influence of networking on resource sharing and accessibility, and to identify the challenges encountered in the adoption and use of these technologies. Employing a descriptive survey research design, data were collected through questionnaires administered to 50 library staff and 150 registered library users, supplemented by structured interviews with 5 management staff. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores) and presented in tables. The findings reveal a significant level of automation at JHL, particularly with the implementation of the KOHA Integrated Library System (ILS), which has streamlined cataloguing, circulation, and OPAC services. Networking, primarily through the university's intranet and internet connectivity, has vastly improved access to digital resources and facilitated inter-library loans. However, significant challenges persist, including inconsistent power supply, insufficient bandwidth, financial constraints for system upgrades, and a need for continuous staff training. The study concludes that while automation and networking have profoundly transformed JHL into a more dynamic and user-centric institution, strategic interventions are required to consolidate these gains. Recommendations include securing sustainable funding for ICT infrastructure, instituting a robust and continuous staff development program, and enhancing user education initiatives to maximize the benefits of the digital library environment.
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