This study investigates the use of CD-ROM databases in academic libraries in Nigeria. The impact of CD-ROM databases on library development in Nigerian academic libraries is discussed. A questionnaire was sent to ten academic libraries in Nigeria, identified from preliminary studies on their CD-ROM database collections and use. High cost of subscriptions to CD-ROM databases was ranked highest as the major constraints to CD-ROM use. Other constraints include: high cost of acquiring personal computers, CD-ROM drives, printers and other peripherals; unavailability of identified documents found in CD-ROM databases in the institutions’ libraries; lack of computer education; shortage of manpower. The most commonly used bibliographic database on CD-ROM is AGRIS and CAB Abstracts. The study recommends joint ventures with CD-ROM producers/vendors and inclusion of substantive abstracts in CD-ROM databases as ways of improving the use of CD-ROM databases in academic libraries in Nigeria.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
[1] M. Gorman , The academic library in the year 2001: dream or nightmare or something in between?The Journal of Academic Librarianship18 (1991) 4-9 .
2.
[2] G.A. Preston , How will automation affect cataloguing staff? In: P. Gellatly (ed.), Beyond ‘1984’: The Future of Library Technical Services ( Haworth Press, New York , 1983).
3.
[3] D. Lanier , The impact of technology on reference services in a small library , Quarterly Bulletin11(2) (1992) 27-33 .
4.
[4] M. Siddiqui , CD-ROM searching in an academic library in a developing country , CD-ROM Librarian7(5) (1992) 23-28 .
5.
[5] E. Kiondo , The challenge of CD-ROM and document delivery services at the University of Dar-es-Salaam Library, Tanzania , African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science7(1) (1997) 19-31 .
6.
[6] D.B. Addo , CD-ROM as appropriate technology in meeting information needs of medical scientists in developing countries , CD-ROM Librarian7(5) (1992) 20-22 .
7.
[7] P.A. Awogbami , The diffusion of CD-ROM into Nigerian libraries , CD-ROM Librarian7(5) (1992) 30-33 .
8.
[8] T. Mosuro , CD-ROM technology and its application at the Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan , Nigerian Library, Archives and Information Science Review14(1 and 2) (1996) 46-50 .
9.
[9] G.O. Ogunleye , Automating the federal university libraries in Nigeria: a state of the art , African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science7(1) (1997) 71-79 .
10.
[10] A.O. Idowu and I. Mabawonku , Information technology facilities and application in some Nigerian research and university libraries , African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science9(1) (1999) 27-35 .
11.
[11] J.W. Formson , The impact of information technology on the cataloguing process at the University of Botswana Library , African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science9(1) (1999) 17-26 .
12.
[12] B.K. Eres , Transfer of information technology to less developed countries: a systems approach , Journal of the American Society for Information Science32 (1981) 97-102 .
13.
[13] K. Subramarayam , Online searching in less developed countries: problems of infrastructure and appropriateness . In: Proceedings of the National Online Meeting, Medford, New Jersey, pp. 539-549 .
14.
[14] C. Ritzleer , Databases on CD-ROM: what can this technology mean for developing countries in the future?IAALD Quarterly Bulletin34 (1989) 1-5 .
15.
[15] G.F. Salanje , CD-ROM technology in library and information units in developing countries , African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science5(1) (1995) 1-7 .
16.
[16] A. Aboluwarin , Impact of World Bank journals on library use in the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta , Library Bulletin1(2) (1996) 69-75 .
17.
[17] A.B. Kanamugire , Developing a CD-ROM service in Saudi Arabia: some lessons for developing countries , Journal of Information Science20(2) (1994) 99-107 .
18.
[18] A.T. Agbola , Third generation Nigerian university libraries , International Information and Library Review25 (1993) 43-59 .
