Evaluating the X-Lib Library Automation System at Babcock University,Nigeria: A case study

Abstract

The objective of this article is to evaluate the potential of the X-Lib Library Automation System in Nigerian university libraries through an assessment of how it meets the current and future requirements of Babcock University Library. The current and future potential of X-Lib in Babcock University Library were examined using the R²ISC criteria. The criteria used to evaluate current potential included: the ability of Xlib to accommodate a large collection; ability to integrate the basic operations of acquisitions, cataloguing, and circulation; modular design; ease of use; ability to search and retrieve records by various fields; ability to produce end user reports; ability to define security or restrict users to specific screens; ability to perform specialized services; and backup and restore utility. The criteria analysed to determine future potential included: response time; level of configurability; operating system; upgrade; hardware; and the future of the developer or vendor. The result showed 62.6 and 45.5 percentage fits respectively to the current and future requirements of the Babcock University Library. The strengths and limitations of X-Lib are highlighted.

Keywords

library automation systems evaluation X-Lib Library Automation System university libraries Nigeria

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