MANAGEMENT OF INTEGRATED LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE IN PRIVATEUNIVERSITIES IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examines the management of Integrated Library Management Software (ILMS) in private university
libraries of northern Nigeria. The major objectives of the study were to identify the types of ILMS available in
the private universities under study, management procedure of ILMS in the private university under study and
the challenges associated with use of ILMS in private universities in North Nigeria. Related literatures to this
study were reviewed. Qualitative research methodology was adopted using narrative research design. One
university librarian and one automation Librarian of the private university libraries were sampled as the
participants of the study. Interview was the instrument used to collect data and the data obtained was analyzed
using thematic qualitative data analysis. The study revealed that, various types of ILMS were deployed and
maintained by the University libraries studied, such as, Koha, Newgenlib, Dspace among others. The study
revealed the procedures used in managing the ILMS such as policies guiding the management and used of ILMS
developed by the libraries, training, support, and maintenance of the software by the libraries and providers of
the software to the libraries studied. However, the study also identifies challenges associated with management
of the software such as: poor technical support from the suppliers, in adequate technical expertise, in adequate
ICT facilities, erratic power supply, lack of adequate power back-up facilities, poor internet services among
others The study recommend that management of the universities should develop a uniform policy statement for
managing ILMS Software, frequent training should also be given and there should be financial, human,
technological support as well as maintenance for the software in order to render effective services to the library
users.