[In this library automation case study, readers can see the enthusiasm of the University of Ilorin Library staff for their automation project. This is despite the resourcing difficulties that would daunt librarians in more advantaged countries. It is worth noting the emphasis placed on training of all staff in the library, including the cleaners, and it is worth asking how often training is done this thoroughly elsewhere. Another obvious difficulty is the high cost of IT maintenance in Nigeria. Yet, despite all this, the University of Ilorin Library "marches on".]

Preamble

This paper is a progress report on a paper titled "University of Ilorin marches on-to library automation project"[1] which has been entered into the MCB Research Register. The most common software used for library automation in Nigerian academic libraries is TINLIB termed as "Navigators for Libraries". This software was one of the hi-tech services which DAMULOY Nigeria Limited and BUSICON Installation introduced to academic libraries in Nigeria. The training was scheduled for librarians in academic libraries in 1994. The training center was at Busicon training center at Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria. Participating librarians were from Lagos, Ife, Ilorin, Abeokuta and Akure Universities. The National Universities Commission (NUC) sponsored this training and this was the genesis of TINLIB software in Nigeria.

On the issue of automation in the University of Ilorin Library, there has been no standstill since 1996 when the library was computerized. The most important thing about the introduction of automation in the University of Ilorin Library is that all the staff professionals and paraprofessionals, library assistants, typists, technicians, and the clerks were trained. The cleaners, too, were trained about computer awareness to inform them about the importance of the computer so that they should take note of all the "gadgets" when they sweep the computer room.

At the University of Ilorin, the system was upgraded from TINLIB to the T SERIES version 300 in November 2000. TINLIB has five modules, which will be discussed below. The retroconversion of the library collection was completed six months after the commissioning of automation in November 1996. The worksheet was designed for cataloguers to process the retroconversion of books. The entry clerks entered the information from the worksheets into the computer. Cataloguers edited the entries accordingly. Currently, cataloguers check their new books from the computer and at the same time enter the processed books in the computer for the OPAC. For this progress report, I have asked the staff in the computer section to write on how far the library has gone with library automation.

Update on Library Automation

Tinlib Version 280 is user-friendly software, easy to use and learn, but their latest version T Series has added advantages over version 280. These include:

•
Administration can perform more basic file maintenance procedures.
•
The administrator can set up validation list before items are catalogued.
•
Administrators can change the way data are stored to ensure computability with a new version.
•
Importing and conversion can be done from another database into T Series.
•
The control tables option provides ability to control a wide variety of activities affecting all T Series.
•
The Cardex Report in serials control caters for the choice of frequency, the order, and receipt status of all issues on all serials order.
•
Validation is a unique T Series feature, which helps to ensure consistency in the database.

Progress on CD-ROM Searches

Awareness of CD-ROM searching for information retrieval was passed on to users by way of a written circular sent to faculties and departments, and posted on library notice boards, and this was well received by the university community. So far the library has acquired on standing order about 25 databases in various fields. Judging from the number of daily requests, this is a popular method of retrieving information. At times the daily requests are so numerous that the staff can not satisfy users in the same day and the assignment has to be continued on the following day.

Network Printing

This is a great success as printing jobs can be sent from different workstations to the network printer in the computer room where the printing jobs are done.

OPACs

Users are really utilizing this facility. They can now search on their own without the assistance of staff. The OPAC has almost completely replaced the card catalogues.

Circulation

Registration of staff and students is done straight into the circulation module. The charging and discharging of books had been made easier for staff as well as students in the circulation section. Overdue notices can be sent on time, the fine charging method is good and it makes users conscious of the time to return borrowed books, since they are aware the computer will compile their names on the date due.

Brief Report on the Upgrading of Computer Systems in the Library

In 2000-2001, the computer systems in the library were upgraded to a higher version. A brief on the upgrading of both hardware and software is highlighted below.

Upgrading of the Hardware

All the computer systems in the University of Ilorin Library were running on 486 Dx2-66 processor, with 850MB HDD. 16MB RAM each on server and the backup server, 8MB RAM each on the workstations. To improve the efficiency of the system and accelerate the rate, the computers were upgraded as follows:

•
Pentium II 350 MH3 processor for each workstation.
•
Pentium II 466 MH3 processor for each server and the backup server.
•
32 MBRAM for each workstation.
•
128MB RAM for each server and the backup server.
•
3.2GB HDD for each workstation.
•
8.0GB HDD for each server and the backup server.
•
Other accessories were also replaced.

Upgrading of the Software

The computer systems are running on the Novel NetWare operating system. For security of the data and easy maintenance, the operating system was upgraded. Windows NT 4.0 was installed to replace the existing Novel NetWare on the server and backup server, while Windows 98 was installed on each of the workstations. Busicon did the upgrading mentioned above. For computer servicing, the company visits the library twice a year. The cost of servicing is high. The university administration is in charge of installation and the servicing.

Networking

The current networking topology system is a Bus topology. This system of topology is not good enough for our operation in the library. This is because any problem with any of the workstations will cause other workstations not to respond to the server until the error is corrected or that particular workstation is isolated. In the near future, we wish to implement a better topology system called Star topology, which will rectify the problem.

Software

The main software used in the library (as mentioned above) for maintenance of its operation is called TINLIB. The first version of the software installed at the inception of the library automation was version 280. This version has been improved upon and the developer of the software has released a new version. The new version is called T SERIES or Version 300. The new version has been installed. The software has four modules, namely: cataloguing module; circulation module; acquisition module; serial control module; and a separate OPAC module. Each of the modules is functional and is being used by various units of the library. However, there is certain maintenance work to be carried out by the supplier on some of the modules, especially on the circulation module.

The research databases, which are used by various units in the library, are:

•
Medline Search CD-ROM: this software is used for students and researchers who want some information about their topics of interest. It helps to list related topics and their sources for the researchers to consult for detailed information.
•
Agris: this is similar to Medline, but it is meant for researchers and students in the Faculty of Agriculture.
•
CD-MARC: this software is used by staff of the cataloguing unit to assist in the processing of library materials.
•
Global books in print: this database is used by the staff in the library's acquisition unit to find information about publishers and library materials.
•
Ulrich: this database is used by serials unit staff to gather information about journals and related library materials.

Other databases available in the library are education index, social science index, biological abstracts, and political science abstracts.

As earlier mentioned, the system of topology the library is using needs to be changed to a Star topology to improve performance. Other areas the library should consider are the provision of the Internet and e-mail.

Conclusion

To highlight the last statement mentioned above, the university librarian, Mr S.O. Fowowe, stated that the university library would soon be connected with NITEL[2] so that the Internet will be available to the University of Ilorin community. The university librarian emphasized this on January 31, 2001 during the annual conference of the Nigerian Library Association, Kwara State Chapter.

Notes

1.
Adewoye, A.A., "University of Ilorin marches on-to library automation project (LAP)", entered in MCB Research Register.
2.
NITEL is the Nigerial Telecommunication System, which provides telephone services in Nigeria.

Around the Globe: Case Studies in Library Automation

Citation

Publisher