Assessment and Evaluation of KOHA ILS for Online Library Registration at University of Jos, Nigeria

Authors

  • Akpokodje Nkiruka Vera University of Jos PMB 2084, Jos Plateau State Nigeria
  • Akpokodje Thomas Edore Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom Plateau State

Keywords:

Koha ILS, library online registration, Automation processes, University of Jos, Integrated Technical Services(ITS) for Windows, Virtua ILS, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: Advancement in information and communications technology has obligated libraries to embrace automation of library processes. University libraries in Nigeria are in different stages of library automation using different Integrated Library Management System (ILS) which could be either Open ILS or  Propriety ILS .Library registrations in most universities in Nigeria is still done manually irrespective of the category of ILS being deployed, thus, the generation of statistics of  library usage has always been problematic.  This paper evaluates the adoption of KOHA ILS for library online registration at the University of Jos Nigeria.

Methodology: The paper discussed University of Jos automation processes using KOHA ILS, efficient and effective migration strategies from Integrated Technical Services (ITS) for windows  and Virtua ILS’s to KOHA ILS. The study adopted survey design. Questionnaire were used as instrument for data gathering to elicit for ease of use of KOHA ILS for online library registration at the library. The experience of a total of 24 library staff who were involved in the 2014/ 2015 registration exercise was enumerated.

Findings: The paper shows that KOHA was selected at the library out of necessity and not fully planned for. It further enumerated the prospects and challenges faced by the staff involved in the registration processes.  The survey also found that Open Source ILSs are more cost effective than proprietary ILSs . The research enumerated overall staff satisfaction for the use of KOHA ILS.

Results: The use of KOHA ILS will solve the problem of manual processing and untimely statistics generation.  Online registration database gives access to easy and accessible information retrieval in an efficient and effective manner.

Conclusion and recommendation: The migration to KOHA Open access ILS from ITS and Virtua Proprietary ILSs at University of Jos is an astounding experience for the staff of the library and the University community at large. Open access ILS is more cost effective and aids ease of access to information. It was recommended that the software should be moved to the Wide Area Network (WAN) to ease congestion and encourage self-registration from library users.

Author Biographies

Akpokodje Nkiruka Vera, University of Jos PMB 2084, Jos Plateau State Nigeria

Systems Librarian

Akpokodje Thomas Edore, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom Plateau State

Heoad of Department

Computer Science

References

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Neelakandan.B, et al (2010). Implementation of Automated Library Management System in the School of Chemistry Bharathidasan University using Koha Open Source Software. International Journal Of Applied Engineering Research, Dindigul Volume 1, No. 2.

Ogbenege, J.& Adetimirin, A., (2013). "Selection and use of KOHA software in two private Nigerian universities", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 30 Iss: 6, pp.12 – 16.

Riewe, Linda M., (2008). Survey of open source integrated library systems. Master's Theses. Paper 3481.

Submitted to the School of Engineering and Computer Science of BRAC University.

Sudhamanik(2010). Assessment and Evaluation of Open Source Library Automation Software KOHA and NewGenLib Adaptable to RGUHS Digital Library Operations and Functions. A project report submitted to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Science, Karnataka, Bangalore.

Zico, M., (2009). Developing an Integrated Library System(ILS) using open source software KOHA. A Thesis

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Published

2015-02-15

How to Cite

Vera, A. N., & Edore, A. T. (2015). Assessment and Evaluation of KOHA ILS for Online Library Registration at University of Jos, Nigeria. Asian Journal of Computer and Information Systems, 3(1). Retrieved from https://ajouronline.com/index.php/AJCIS/article/view/2129

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2015): February 2015

Section

Articles

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