Strategies for Enhancing Utilization of Automated Services in Information Searching at Academic Libraries

Abstract

Strategies for Enhancing Utilization of Automated Services in Information Searching at Academic Libraries
This study investigated factors affecting utilization of automated services for information searching. The study objectives were; to identify the various types of automated services available for information searching, to examine the level of utilization of automated services in information searching, to find out the capacity challenges encountered in the use of automated services in information searching and to propose strategies for enhancing the use of automated services.
Descriptive survey design was used to carry out the study. Purposive and Convenience sampling techniques were used to select the study sample. Data from Faculty staff, Students and Library staff were collected using questionnaire, key informant interviews and observation. The study findings indicated the following automated services: email services, photocopying services, current awareness services, reference services, CD ROMs services, bibliographic services and document delivery services. Automated services that were not available include faxing services, circulation services and Open Public Access Catalogue services. These automated services were not being used adequately due to individual and institutional challenges which included; limited computer skills, technophobia or the fear of communications technology, limited space in the library, attitude of the library users, few number of computers available, limited Internet bandwidth, library ICT policy and electric power outages. Based on the findings, it was recommended that, increase the range of automated services, train and sensitize users on utilization of automated services; increase funding, increase the Internet bandwidth, create clear library ICT policies, acquire more computers and stand by generator.