Library Herald
Year: 2002, Volume: 40, Issue: 1
First page: (20) last page: (27)
Print ISSN: 0024-2292
Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) Use in Nigerian Academic Libraries: A Case Study from the University Of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
A A ODUWOLE*, F A OYESIKU**, A A LABULO ***
*Chief Cataloguer, University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria
** Law Librarian, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-lwoye, Nigeria.
*** Assistant Library Officer, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
Abstract The Study is aimed at determining the level of use of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) at the University of Agriculture Library, Abeokuta. A three part questionnaire was developed and administered during the 1999/2000 sessions. A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed to OPAC users, of which 286 of 95.3%, were duly completed and returned. The results of the study revealed that students are the major user of OPAC. Majority of OPAC users had no pervious training in computer use. The Study revealed that the most common access points for searching the OPAC are the author and subject fields. Respondents are satisfied with information obtained. The study also revealed that the major constrained encountered by the users are finding the appropriate keywords to search the database and the limited number of search stations as only two are available. The study recommend that users be trained in order to acquire basic skills in Information Technology for information retrieval and the reintroduction of the " Use of the library into the University Curriculum".