Selection and use of KOHA software in two private Nigerian universities

Abstract

Purpose

Software has played a crucial role in the management of library operations. Nigerian university libraries are embarking on automation by adopting different library software but many fail due to the wrong selection of software and improper management of the automation project. The paper aims to examine the selection and use of KOHA software in two private Nigerian universities.

Design/methodology/approach

Purposive sampling was used to select 255 respondents made up of two systems librarians, eight heads of library units and 245 faculty. Data were collected through questionnaire, interview and observation.

Findings

KOHA was selected because of integration, ease of use, accessibility, flexibility and feasibility study was carried out. The software was not maximally used in both universities (RU: 49 percent, BU: 64.3 percent).

Originality/value

This paper investigates the factors used for selection of the software, level of use and challenges to its use. It is relevant to university libraries because it emphasises the need to carry out in‐depth feasibility study before the adoption of software to increase the effectiveness of their libraries.

Citation

Ogbenege, J. and Adetimirin, A. (2013), "Selection and use of KOHA software in two private Nigerian universities", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 30 No. 6, pp. 12-16. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-04-2013-0020