Automated Generation of Card Catalogues: Experiences of the NIALS Library

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences of NIALS Library in the use of computers in the production of catalogue cards. It also seeks to find out the experiences of other libraries in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the procedures for automated generation of catalogue cards in the NIALS Library. It used the questionnaire method to collect data from 24 participants at the recently held workshop on Technical Services in Law Libraries, 26‐28 June 2007.

Findings

Found that most libraries in Nigeria use typewriters to produce catalogue cards. The use of computers in the generation of card catalogues is just beginning to emerge. OPACs are also relatively new as most libraries still operate card catalogue systems.

Practical implications

It is expected that other libraries would benefit from the experiences of NIALS Library.

Originality/value

This is the first study on the automated generation of card catalogues in Nigerian libraries. The study should help libraries that face difficulties with the manual production of card catalogues in making a decision in favour of automation.

Citation

John‐Okeke, R. (2008), "Automated Generation of Card Catalogues: Experiences of the NIALS Library", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 25 No. 1, pp. 16-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/07419050810877517