Challenges and Prospects of Using Open Source Software in University Libraries in South Nigeria

Abstract

Aim of the Study: Technology application in university libraries has become inevitable, eventually becoming the major means of information dissemination in a digital world. Information seekers are now technology savvy such that for libraries to meet up with their information needs, they have to embrace new technological trends of service delivery. Hence, this study examined the challenges and prospects of using Open Source Software in University Libraries in South - south, Nigeria.

Methodology: The descriptive research design was employed in the study with research questions raised and answered along with hypotheses tested. The population, which also served as the sample size of the study, made up of 203 library staff of selected university libraries in the region adopted the total enumeration sampling technique for the study. The instrument for data collection was the questionnaire with a reliability of 0.84 realized from a test retest statistical method. However, 195 respondents representing 96.1% was the response rate.

Findings: The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions while the hypotheses were tested using t-test statistics at 0.05 level of significance.

Conclusion: The study revealed network and server problem, lack of training and retraining of staff and constant power failure were the major challenges faced by library staff in using OSS. The prospects for enhanced OSS use in university libraries based on the findings includes the provision of adequate funds for the maintenance of infrastructure, provision of standby electric power generating set, training and retraining of staff and provision of effective internet facilities.