The impact of computerisation of library operations on library services and use: a case study of John Harris Library University of Benin

Abstract

The use of computer-based systems in libraries and information units is now a vogue. The era of manual system in library operations is on its way to extinction. Recent developments in information world tend towards a globalized information communication technology (ICT). The library as a dynamic institution cannot afford to be left out in the ICT train. This work examines the impact of computerization of library operations on library services and use in John Harris Library, University of Benin, Benin City. Using the descriptive research design, the study observes that the use of computer in library operations has affected library services which has brought about effective use of the library. A careful study through observations and interview of the mode of operation before the computerization and also after the computerization era in terms of service delivery and use in John Harris Library reveals that computerization of library operation has had a considerable impact in the service delivery and use. Questionnaire were administered to the community of users of the library; their responses were analyzed using simple percentage in a tabular format and then conclusion was drawn and recommendation made.

Keywords: Library Computerization, Library Operations, Library Services, Uniben