Download - Challenges of implementing digital libraries
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The development of the computer and communication
technology has paved the way to newer forms of information
dissemination and brought about a change from the traditional
library to the digital library. This idea of easy, finger-tip access to
information, what has now been conceptualized as the digital
library today began with Vannear Bush’s Memex machine (Bush
1945) and has continued to evolve with each advancement in
information technology, also with the arrival of the computer they
concept now centers on large bibliographic databases, they now
familiar online retrieval and public access systems that are part of
any contemporary library. Presently lots of libraries are actively
involved in building institutional repositories of their institution's
books, papers, theses, and other works which can be digitized or
were 'born digital'. Many of these repositories are made available
to the general public with few restrictions, in accordance with the
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goals of open access, in contrast to the publication of research in
commercial journals, where the publishers often limit access rights.
The library can be categorised into different types based on the
target audience (Aina 2004). Each category could be further
divided into specific types. The major types are as follows;
Academic library, School library, National library, Special library,
Public library.
Academic library are libraries that are attached to post-
secondary institutions. The perform function directly related to the
mission of the institution they serve. In the areas of learning,
teaching, research and service. The library in this regard is seen as
the heart of the intellectual system of the university and to a large
extent the quality of the university is measured by the services
provided by the library because of its unique position in the overall
university system.
The National library is supposed to be the apex library of a
country. In many cases, the library is in the executive arm of
government as it is the case of Nigeria, Botswana and many other
countries. The principal function of a national library is to serve as
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the depository of all copyright publications within a country. This
facilitates the publication by the library of the national
bibliography of the country on an annual basis.
They public library is more or less a universal library. It is expected
to serve all kinds of people including young people and people
with disabilities. Some of the characteristics of a public library are
provision of free service to all, support for the civic and cultural
activities of a community and meeting the informational needs of
all in the society.
Based on the above definitions the library can be seen as a
storehouse, which stocks all forms of knowledge and information
carriers that are meant to be consulted and used by reader with
little or no expense on their part, a library can also be viewed as
an organized collection of items which may be in the form of
books, journals, videotapes, CDROMS etc. Along with the services
required to make them available to a given user group or groups
it has been referred to as a “place to get information and also get
help finding information”. It could be physical, virtual or a
combination of both.
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According to Ojedokun (2000) a digital library is listed as including
electronic Databases on the Internet, World Wide Web (WWW),
Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CDROM) and propriety
services such as dialog, thus a digital library is viewed as a
collection of full text bibliographic information sources rather than
building and incorporates human services and information
technology tools. The digital library in a broad sense is a
computerized system that allows obtaining a coherent means of
access to an organized, electronically stored repository of
information and data. It is a relatively new concept that explains
the nature of the collection it holds.
This oxymoronic phrase has attracted dreamers and
engineers, visionaries and entrepreneurs, a diversity of social
scientists, lawyers and technicians and even ironically librarians
though some would argue that digital libraries have very little to
do with libraries as institutions or the practice of librarianship.
Others would argue that the issue of the future of the library as
social, cultural and community institutions, along with related
questions about the character and treatment of what we have
come to call “intellectual property “ in our society. Libraries today
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which thrive to push the frontiers of knowledge to greater heights
have accepted information communication technology into the
library and this has in turn had great impact on the field and
profession of librarianship and libraries, an example of this is seen
in the way we now perceive and disseminate information which
has even threatened the traditional approaches to libraries and its
professionals. The impact of such technologies as the computer,
internet, multimedia and the CDROMS has led to what we now
refer to as a paperless society. The convergence of
computational storage and networking technologies now have a
wider impact on the society, for instance computers record any
given information at high speed and disseminate this information
through a network to wherever it is required by users.
In popular usage, the term information refers to facts and opinions
provided and received during the course of daily life: one obtains
information directly from other living beings, from mass media,
from electronic data banks, and from all sorts of observable
phenomena in the surrounding environment. A person using such
facts and opinions generates more information, some of which is
communicated to others during discourse, by instructions, in letters
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and documents, and through other media. Information organized
according to some logical relationships is referred to as a body of
knowledge, to be acquired by systematic exposure or study.
Application of knowledge (or skills) yields expertise, and additional
analytic or experiential insights are said to constitute instances of
wisdom. Use of the term information is not restricted exclusively to
its communication via natural language. Information is also
registered and communicated through art and by facial
expressions and gestures or by such other physical responses as
shivering. Moreover, every living entity is endowed with
information in the form of a genetic code. These information
phenomena permeate the physical and mental world, and their
variety is such that it has defied so far all attempts at a unified
definition of information.
1.1.1 Brief History of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
The Ahmadu Bello University was founded on October 4, 1962 as
the University of Northern Nigeria by the then Northern Region
government and was taken over as a Federal Institution in 1975. As
stated in Part (ii) of its Principal law, the University was created to,
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among other things, produce high level manpower, secure the
diffusion of knowledge, research and community service in
Northern Nigeria and Nigeria in general, and to function as a
centre of excellence. Sir Ahmadu Bello, of Northern Nigeria and
first Chancellor of the University had this vision for the University:"
The cardinal principle upon which our University is founded is to
impart knowledge and learning to men and women of all races
without any distinction on the grounds of race, religious, or
political beliefs. This principle is enshrined in the University Law.
Only through freedom of membership and freedom of enquiry
and research can a University be drawn into the full ferment of
thought from which new knowledge comes. Only if it adheres to
those freedoms can it become truly great. From a modest
beginning in 1962, by 2002 the University has been transformed
into the largest and the most extensive of all Universities in Sub-
Saharan Africa. Currently, the University covers a land area of
7,000 hectares and encompasses twelve academic faculties, a
Postgraduate School and 82 academic departments. It also has
five Institutes, six specialized centres, a Division of Agricultural
Colleges, a Demonstration Secondary School, a Primary School
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and Extension and Consultancy Services, which provide a variety
of services to the University and the wider society. The total
students’ enrolment in the University’s degree and sub-degree
programs is about 35,000, drawn from every state of the
Federation, Africa and the rest of world. There are about 1,400
academic and research staff and 5,000 support staff serving the
University. The University has also nurtured two University Colleges,
the Abdullahi Bayero College (now Bayero University , Kano ) and
the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa College Now Abubakar Tafawa
Balewa University of Technology, Bauchi). While 27 tertiary
Institutions made up of Colleges of Education, Polytechnics and
Schools of Basic of Preliminary Studies are affiliated to it. The
university library system comprises the main library Kashim Ibrahim
Library (KIL), the President Kennedy Library (PKL) and ten other
satellite libraries located in Zaria and Kaduna Environs. Within the
40 years of existence, the University had to a great extent, met the
development needs for which it was founded, especially with
regards to the production of high-quality graduates and
Community Service in Engineering, Environmental Design, the
Medical Sciences, Agriculture, the Humanities, Education and the
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Natural Sciences. The University’s five hundred thousand alumni
are found in all parts of Nigeria, Niger Republic, the Cameroon,
South Africa, Europe, Asia and the United States. Its products
occupy important positions in the public and the private sectors of
the economy, at all levels of Government, and in educational
Institutions of higher learning in and outside Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
They information explosion of the 21st century has made
libraries to be faced with the task of handling the vast number of
information present in the library and on the internet, the digital
library being a relatively new trend to the profession has stepped
in to aid the profession and the professional. Hence the purpose
for this research is to find the challenges of implementing digital
libraries in academic environments which would later possibly aid
libraries wishing or aspiring to start one. This research is therefore
driven by the following problem statements. Of what benefits
would a digital library in the university have on the staff and
students of the university, will the implementation of a digital
library in the university bring forth challenges to the universities staff
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and students or will the implementation of digital libraries bring
forth no challenge what so ever to the library and university as a
whole. Is the technology and knowhow required to smoothly run a
digital library present or in existence in the university or is there an
absence of the technology required to smoothly run a digital
library in the university. The Staff and students being potential users
of these resources will they be well catered for; i.e. have they
been well oriented on the forms of information resources available
to them in a digital library, usage, maintenance and operation of
the digital library or are they believed to be in the know. Lastly the
university, does it view the digital library in a positive light or
negative because its perspective of the library would go a long
way in determining whether there would be a continuity of the
service rendered.
1.3 Research Questions
The research seeks to answer these questions during its
course
1. What are the benefits of a digital library in Ahmadu
Bello University
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2. What possible challenges could be faced in
implementing the digital library in Ahmadu Bello
University
3. Will the digital library better improve the academic
performance of students of Ahmadu Bello University
4. What forms of information will the digital library of
Ahmadu Bello University provide?
1.4 Objective of the Study
The objective and aims of this research is geared at finding the
benefits of the digital library to the school (ABU) and give its
impact on the performance of both the staff and students of the
school, which it would serve. The research would also show the
potential rigours likely to be faced during the stage of
implementation of the digital library or otherwise start of the digital
library and give the varied forms in which the library could stock its
information. Finally the research would show who the users of the
digital library would be, and give their opinions about the library
and the services offered.
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1.5 Significance of the Study
This research which is focused on showing the problems
faced in the course of starting a digital library cannot be over
emphasized due to the vast array of information now available.
The research is targeted at showing the present state of
digital libraries in the university in terms of utilization and
challenges and aspects that require further research. They
research would also aim at giving an insight into the difference
between digital libraries and the present electronic library which
seem to be taken as the same thing.
Finally the research would show how important it is to
introduce the use of digital library to the institution and its impact
on day to day routines
1.6 Assumption of the study
The study assumes that digital libraries are in the process of being
developed at the Kashim Ibrahim library of the institution of study
because of the current automation and digitization processes
being undergone in the library. The study also assumes that users
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of the library are gradually getting to know of the availability and
presence of this phenomenon of study.
1.7 Scope and Limitation
The scope of this study covers the main campus of Ahmadu
Bello University; notable areas of coverage would include the
main library of the university (KIL), and the Electronic Library (MTN
Library). An attempt would be made to look at what form of
digital libraries are in place in the institution and the challenge
faced. The limitations encountered during this research are
numerous but chief among them are; Lack of adequate sources
of information, Time constraint, and financial problems.
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References
Aguolu, I. E. “Nigerian University Libraries: What Future?” The
International Information and Library Review, 1996.28(3): 262.
Allen B. Vannear. “Major Decision Points in Library Automation,”
College and Research Libraries, 31(September 1970), 303-304
Arms, W. Y. Key concepts in the architecture of the digital library.
D-lib Magazine, July,
1995URL:http://www.dlib.org/dlib/July95/07arms.html
Devchoudhuri, G.B. “Digital Libraries: An overview” In T.A.V. Murthy
et al (ed): Automation of Libraries in North Eastern Region:
Trends, Issues and challenges. PLANNER. Shillong. Nov. 6-7. 2003.
Inflibnet. Pp 172-176
"Information Processing." Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Encyclopaedia Britannica Student and Home Edition.
Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2010.
Kumar, P.S.G. Students Manual of Library and Information Science,
BR Publishing Corporation. New Delhi, 2002. pp 717-719
Paul Beckett and James O’Connell, Education and Power in
Nigeria, Hodder and Stoughton, 1977, pp. 26-30; and History of
Ahmadu Bello University, Appendix V and VI, pp. 280-1
Sir Eric Ashby. Investment in Education: The Report of the
Commission on Post-School Certificate and Higher Education
(Lagos, 1960)
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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
Researchers have offered several theoretical frameworks to
describe the nature of digital libraries as emerging phenomena.
This chapter will be aimed at reviewing related literature to the
study. In this respect related reviews would be carried out on the
following:
2.1 Functions of Academic Libraries
2.2 Digital libraries
2.3 Library Automation
2.4 Digitization
2.1 Functions of Academic Libraries
Academic libraries play unique roles of coordinating and
supporting teaching, learning and research efforts of both
students and staff of their parent institutions. In the words of
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Olanlokun and Salisu (1993), academic libraries perform the
following:
1. Acquire and organize relevant materials for the use of
students, researchers, teachers and the general library user.
2. Preserve and transmit knowledge through bibliographical
instruction and proper organization of the library collection.
3. Contribute to the extension of the frontiers of knowledge
through the provision of relevant research materials to aid
researchers and teachers as well as personalized services.
4. The enrich the programs of those pursuing courses leading to
the award of degrees and diplomas by providing them with
up to date information and helping them to obtain
information from other sources.
Edmund (1978) on his part believes that academic libraries
collect, examine and make available information relating to
university education and to assist in consultation with the university
and other bodies concerned. Similarly Aina (2004) asserts that they
perform functions directly related to the mission and vision of the
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institutions they serve, their purpose is to support the objectives of
the institutions which are in areas of learning, teaching, research,
and services. Academic libraries are thus faced with the
challenges of providing information in virtually all subjects and
disciplines offered in their institution. This information sources
represented in a plethora of sources is needed to satiate the
demand of diverse and sophisticated users of academic libraries.
As a result of the series of researchers and developmental
activities going on in the global academic community, new
information are daily being generated and added to the
repertoire of global academic records. It therefore gives the
library the chief responsibility of not only seeking and bringing
information together in various sources and diverse forms but also
to communicate and facilitate the impartation of knowledge
contained therein to those who need them. Ifidion and Nkoli
(2002) on their part identified the basic functions of academic
libraries they include;
1. Provision of materials for undergraduate instructions, term
papers and projects as well as for supplementary readings.
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2. Provision of materials in support of faculty, external and
collaborating researchers.
3. Provision of materials for self-development.
4. Provision of expensive standard work especially in the
professional discipline.
5. Provision of specialized information on the region within
which the university is situated.
6. Cooperation with other academic libraries with the view to
developing a network of academic library resources that are
at the disposal of all scholars.
2.2 Digital Libraries
A digital library may be perceived as an information service or a
collection of electronic information resources, in which all the
information resources are available in computer process-able
form. According to Irokwe (2001), a digital library is a library that
harnesses digital technologies as infrastructure to search, collect,
organize, store and distribute cultural, historical and scientific
information whether it is text, visual images or sound. Oppenheim
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and Smithson (1999) define the digital library as "an information
service in which all the information resources are available in
computer process-able form and the functions of acquisition,
storage, retrieval, access and display are carried out through the
use of digital technologies". Saracevic (2000) in a survey of
definitions of digital libraries summarized these common concepts.
Digital libraries contain managed collections or resources that
have been selected, organized, licensed, secured and preserved.
The resources have some type of representation or metadata and
can be searched and retrieved. Users access digital libraries
through interaction with computer interfaces via networks.
Mitchell (1999) also views this system as one which allows users to
find and more fully use the information contained within the
system in a timely and effective way. Taking a close look at the
definitions given by Irokwe, Oppenheim and Smithson and
Mitchell you would notice that they all say similar things in that
they are all looking at the digital library as performing the same
old functions of acquisition, storage, search, retrieval and display
with the use of digital technologies to give their services. The use
of the digital technology then gives the recipient or user ease in
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the accessing and retrieval of the digitized information resources.
Akpan (2001) further supports this notion by saying information can
be delivered across countries into houses and offices instantly. This
notion of delivery of information serves they library better because
electronic books, journals and other information resources are
made accessible to an unlimited audience at the same time and
anywhere. It however implies that all digital library systems are
computerized and own a public network internet protocol
address (IP Address) which veers from the concept from a digital
library to a virtual library. In light of this Gbaje (2007) views any
form of remote access to a digital library as being a virtual library.
He goes on to say that a digital library can exist independently but
a virtual library must be built on the frame work of a digital library.
another definition of the digital library is that of the Digital Library
Federation (DLF) where digital libraries was defined as
organizations that provide resources, including the specialized
staff, to select, structure, offer intellectual access to, interpret,
distribute, preserve the integrity of and ensure the persistence over
time of collections of digital works so that they are readily and
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economically available for use by a community or set of
communities.
2.2.1 Framework for a Digital Library
A digital library is built around specific repository software. The best
known examples of this are DSpace, Eprints, Fedora, dLibra
(Poland), CiteSeerX and Greenstone Digital Library Software. In
2009, Fedora Commons and the DSpace Foundation merged to
create a new organization “Dura Space”. The Reference Model
for an Open Archival Information System (OAIS) provides a
framework to address digital preservation. Other formal
frameworks include the DELOS Reference Model (Agosti, et al.,
2006) and the Streams, Structures, Spaces, Scenarios, Societies (5S)
formal framework (Gonçalves, Fox, Watson, & Kipp, 2004)
2.2.2 Metadata
The ability to find works of interest in large libraries is directly
related to how well they are catalogued. Metadata is the data
that describes the content and attributes of any particular item in
a digital library. Metadata is another issue central to the
development of digital libraries. It is a concept familiar to librarians
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because it is one of the primary things that librarians do; they
create cataloguing records that describe documents. Metadata
is important in digital libraries because it is the key to resource
discovery and use of any document. Anyone who has used Alta
Vista, Excite, or any of the other search engines on the Internet
knows that with simple full-text searches, one can get thousands
of hits, but most of them will be irrelevant. While there are formal
library standards for metadata, namely AACR, such records are
very time-consuming to create and require specially trained
personnel. Human cataloguing, though superior, is just too labour
intensive for the already large and rapidly expanding information
environment. Thus, simpler schemes for metadata are being
proposed as solutions. While they are still in their infancy, a number
of schemes have emerged, the most prominent of which is the
Dublin Core, an effort to try and determine the “core” elements
needed to describe materials. The first workshop took place at
OCLC headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, hence the name “Dublin
Core.” The Dublin Core workshops defined a set of fifteen
metadata elements much simpler than those used in traditional
library cataloguing. They were designed to be simple enough to
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be used authors, but at the same time, descriptive enough to be
useful in resource discovery.
2.2.3 Problems faced by digital libraries
According to Ribeiro (1998), digital libraries are becoming
more complex systems which include text search, functionality
relating to hypertext, multimedia, the Web and highly interactive
interfaces. As such if individuals and companies have problems
designing good web sites it is only reasonable that we should
have problems designing digital libraries that are going to be
uploaded on the internet. This is because digital libraries are more
than just web sites or stores of information in libraries over a
network. Dix et al (1995) argues that even if one has used the best
methodology and model in the design of a usable interactive
system, one still needs to assess the design and test the system to
ensure that it behaves as expected and meets end-users'
requirements. Designers of this kind of library system need to
provide efficient ways to structure information, and represent
them digitally using computers. To design good, usable digital
libraries, one requires knowledge about who will use them, what
they will be used for, the work context and the environment in
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which they will be used, and what is technically and logistically
feasible. This is all in addition to the usual usability concerns, such
as the tasks and populations of users. This complexity is further
compounded by the fact that designers, content providers, and
users can have very different cultural backgrounds. Although
information in digital libraries is supposed to be available globally,
its design, content provision, and use have remained local. This
cultural diversity raises a number of questions regarding the cross-
cultural usability of digital libraries. Landauer (1995) points out that
it is impossible to design an optimal user interface in the first try. If
information access systems are to provide good, usable
interfaces, designers must conduct some form of testing on the
interface. However, without knowing where in a system users run
into problems, one has little hope of improving the system.
2.2.4 Benefits of Digital Libraries to Academic Institutions-
IBM (1994) gave some major advantages of digital libraries over
traditional (paper-based) libraries they include: faster addition to
the data collection with better quality control, improved search
functionality, faster access to information contained in the system
and also more freedom and reduced bureaucracy for individual
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users. In addition to these, there are other potential benefits of
digital libraries. These include the following:
A digital library is available wherever there is a personal
computer connected to the network. Therefore it can be
accessed at work places and in the home.
Digital libraries' information resources are available for
access to users around the Clock.
In a digital library environment, it is possible and easier to
provide access to information resources in other formats that
are not possible in the print format environment, i.e.
multimedia formats like video and audio
2.3 Library Automation
In general terms, automation can be defined as the use of
mechanical or electronic devices to undertake tasks which were
hitherto manually performed. According to Compton interactive
encyclopaedia, it is a process through which mechanical or
electronic devices are employed to carry out tasks without human
intervention. The computer is now a common feature to be
reckoned with in the society and libraries are no exception to this.
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In the opinions of Thompson and Carr (1987) their applications in
library services have now been firmly established. Thus their
relevance to the operations of the library are no longer
questioned or debated. The real issue now is when they will be
fully employed in the operations of libraries most especially
academic libraries because computer systems have come to
stay, and libraries have to be found credible. Library automation
can be defined as the application of modern information
technologies in carrying out library operation. Bierman (1980)
defined it as the use of computers and associated technology to
do exactly what has to be done in libraries with the jurisdiction of
reduced costs and or increased performance. In other words it is
the use of computers and other associated technologies to
revolutionize the face and meaning of the libraries and redefine
their existence. Salman (1975) defined library automation as the
use of semi-automatic and automatic data processing machines
to perform traditional library activities like acquisition cataloguing
and indexing. The Winnebago software company in a step by
step guide to library automation defined automation as the use of
computer hardware and software for tasks that otherwise requires
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a lot of paper work and staff work. All three definitions of library
automation given all have a similarity, the use of machines in the
simplification of the libraries daily routines.
2.3.1 Why automate libraries
According to Rowley (1988), organizations generally adopt
automation for either of the following two reasons;
1. To organise in house information to make it easily available
for retrieval
2. To access external database which contains published or
semi-published information
Other justifications given by her for library automation include
increased workload, the need for greater efficiency, opportunity
for newer services and functions, networking and cooperation
and the desire to give a hi-tech image especially in an era of
economic boom.
Omekwu (2004) identified both internal and external factors that
increase the prospects for library automation. Internal factors
include; favourable disposition by management towards
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automation, the acquisition of information technology based
systems like CD ROMS or Disk held data, exposure from training
and installation of a local area network in the organization.
External factors include the need to access international
databases online, growth and development of the information
technology system, information resources sharing and
cooperation with other external agencies and conformity with
global trends in the information environment. Cochrane (1992)
gave some advantages to the automation of the library. These
include;
1. Allowance for easy integration with various activities
2. It facilitates cooperation and formation of library networks
3. Eliminates uninteresting and repetitive work in the library
4. It avoids duplication of efforts within the library and other
libraries on a network.
5. It gives rise to a range of services offered
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2.4 Digitization
In the past few years, libraries, companies and other business
organizations have begun the conversion of their physical
information resources into digital forms. This process has come to
be referred to as digitization. Digitization is the primary way of
storing images in a form suitable for transmission and computer
processing, whether scanned from two-dimensional analogue
originals or captured using an image sensor-equipped device
such as a digital camera, a scanner, or acquiring precise
dimensions from 3D scanning device. Abbey (1999) defined
digitization as a process where recorded information in analogue
form or continuous stream of information of varying density and
time is fed into the computer, broken down and put together in
binary code, its character being changed in a precise way into a
digital format. The digital preservation coalition committee (2002)
stated that digitization is the process of creating files by scanning
or other means of converting analogue materials. The resulting
digital copy or digital surrogate will then be referred to as a digital
material and can also be preserved by the library and put to use
by its users. This definition of digitization is acceptable when being
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compared to the definition given by “Abbey” this is because
Abbey’s definition seems to infer with the word “Broken down and
put together” that the materials are remade or the rebirth of the
materials. This then would mean that some corrections and other
typographical errors would then be seen and corrected or vice
versa. The definition given by the digital preservation committee
says the new files are being created through the use of scanners.
These machines are capable of making digital copies of the
original material, meaning then that the material would remain as
it was.
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References
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Akpan, E. O. (2001), “The Virtual Library.” Blueprint on the National
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Nigeria. Section C, pp. 20.
Bierman (1980), Library Automation Ariji Vol 9. In Technology for
Management and Service (ed). Madu, EC Ibadan: Evi-
Coleman p.3.
Cochrane, P.A. (1992), “Information Technology in Libraries and
Ranganathan’s five laws of Library Science,” Libri 42(3) p.243-
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Dix, A., Finlay, J., Abowd, G. and Beale, R. (1995), Human-
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Gbaje, E.S. (2007), The Challenges of Implementing Virtual Libraries
for Higher Institutions in Nigeria. “Departmental Seminar Paper
(unpublished).
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(Accessed 9 Sept 2009).
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Irokwe, O. P. I ( 2001), “A Blueprint for Implementing Digital
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Landauer, T. (1995), The trouble with computers: Usefulness,
usability and productivity. MIT Press.
Mitchell, S. (1999), Interface Design Considerations in Libraries. In D.
Stern (Ed.). DigitalLibraries: Philosophies, Technical Design
Considerations and Example Scenarios (pp 131-181).
Omekwu, C. (2004), Planning for Library and Information Centers.
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Coleman pp.17-29.
Oppenheim, .C. & Smithson. D. (1999), What is the Hybrid Library?
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Ribeiro-Neto, B. and Barbosa, R. (1998), Query Performance
Fortnightly Coupled Distributed Digital Libraries. In: Witten, I.,
Akscyn, R. and Shipman, F. (editors). Proceedings of Digital
Libraries'98. pp.182-190
Rowley, J. (1988), The Basis of Information Technology. London:
Clive Bingley
Saracevic, T. (2000), Digital Library Evaluation: Toward an Evolution
of Concepts. Library Trends, 49(3): 350-369.
Thompson. J. and Carr (1987), An introduction to university library
automation 4th ed: London;Clive Bingley.
Winnebago Software Company (1994), Guide to Library
Automation. A Step by Step Introduction Caledonra
Winnebago Science
33
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
The main objective of this chapter is to discuss the research design
used in carrying out this study. Asika (1991) defines research design
as the structuring of research for the purpose of identifying the
studies variables and relationship to one another. This is used in
research to show through the use of diagrams, how the variables
of the proposed research will be observed, controlled and
manipulated, in the generation of data necessarily for the
research. Leedey in 1993 listed some basic pertinent questions to
be asked when planning a research design. They are as listed
below;
1. What are the data needed?
2. Where are the data located?
3. How will the data be interpreted?
34
3.1 Research Method Adopted
The research method adopted for the purpose of this study was
the survey research method. This method was chosen because of
its ability to sample opinions of a large spectrum of people which
occupy the population. They research method was chosen so
that the researcher could carefully sought useful data from the
study and come up with valid conclusions about the research. The
research is entitled challenges of implementing a digital libraries in
academic institutions of which Ahmadu Bello University is being
studied.
3.2 Population of the Study
Population according to Johnson (1980) is a collection or set of
individuals, objects or measurements whose properties are being
observed. Peil (1982) sees it as the cases or individuals that fit
certain specification. Asika (1991) however notes that a
population is made up of all conceivable elements, observations
and subjects relating to the phenomenon of interest. The
phenomenon of interest in question here was the Ahmadu Bello
35
University (main campus), the idea behind this choice was based
on two important factors;
1. The proximity and time frame given for the presentation of a
concluded research.
2. The institutions main campus was scoped and found to have
an aspect of a digital library.
As a result of these reasons the topic was chosen and the
population was stated to show the challenges behind
implementing a digital library.
3.3 Sampling and Sampling Techniques
A sample is a select few of an entity. A sample in mathematical
context can be seen as a subset of a population. Aina (2002)
shows four key values that determine the size of a sample in any
research. They include; the size of the population, the variation in
the characteristics being measured, the number of ways in which
data is to be stratified in the analysis and precision required of the
data
36
3.4 Instrument for Data Collection
The study used a primary means to collect data, this was done
through the use of questionnaires. The questionnaire is constructed
in a way that most questions are closed ended. The choice to use
a questionnaire is based on its wide acceptability, ease of use
and the potential it has to elicit the necessary data. Using the
questionnaire is advantageous because it permits wide coverage
which is necessary for the research also a number of published
and unpublished studies demonstrates its popularity among
researchers. The questionnaire is designed to be a representation
of the research questions and geared to providing reasonable
data that would be suitable for providing solutions for the problem
statements.
3.5 Procedure for Data Collection
The researcher personally administered the questionnaires on
students of the institution, Staff and system analysts of the main
library of the institution. The researcher administered a total of one
hundred and fifty questionnaires (150) for the study, fifty (50) for
the staff and one (100) hundred for the students. The
37
questionnaire was divided into two parts section A and B. Section
A, covered personal data of the respondents while section B
covered issues relating to the study. Interviews were conducted
to solicit information which the questionnaire could not give. This is
of relevance because of the added advantage it gives due to
the face to face interaction with the respondents.
3.6 Method of Data Analysis
Here the researcher used descriptive statistics through the use of
simple percentages and charts. The finding gotten from these
were used to answer the questions raised and show the
challenges of implementing a digital library in academic
institutions.
3.7 Conclusion
The chapter has presented the method to be adopted in
conducting the study. It is expected that the data gathered will
be fully analysed and a successful study actualized.
38
References
Aina, L.O (2002) Research in information science: An African
Perspective. Ibadan: Stifling-Horden Publishers (Nig) Ltd P.39
Asika(1991) Research Methodology in Behavioural Science.
Ibadan: Longman Nig Plc
Leedey, P.A (1993) Practical Research: Planning and Design, 3rd
ed. New York: Macmilan Publishing
39
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
4.0 Introduction
This chapter presents the data collected for the study, it further
analyses and discusses the data according to the research
questions raised in the study.
4.1 Response rate
A total of one hundred and fifty (150) copies of the questionnaire
were distributed. Out of these questionnaires a hundred (100)
were returned fully completed, Twenty (20) for the staff out of a
total of fifty distributed giving a percentage of forty (40%), and
Eighty (80) for the students from a hundred (100) distributed having
a percentage of eighty (80%). This response rate could be
attributed to the persuasive manner in which the researcher
approached the respondents and persuaded them to fill the
questionnaire. Since the overall response rate is above average it
would provide viable data for the completion of the project.
40
4.1.1 Distribution of respondents by academic qualification
The academic qualification of the respondents is a function of
their productivity, hence the need to include it as a variable in the
study. This is because it is assumed that as the respondents are
growing in the Academic ladder, their method of interacting with
peers and getting access to information sources are wider thereby
influencing their productivity, experiences in research, assignments
and other academic activities. The distribution of the respondents
by their academic rank is presented in table 4.1.2.
Table 4.1.2 Distribution of respondents by Academic Qualification
(Staff)
Academic
Qualification
No of
respondents
Percentage
N.C.E/Diploma 7 35
Degree(BLS) 5 25
Masters &
Above
8 40
Total 20 100
Table 4.1.2 shows that the majority of staff sampled were masters
and above holders with 40% which was closely followed by
41
N.C.E/Diploma holders this is a good sign because it tells that there
is a higher percentage of professional staff working in the library
higher thus they are more knowledgeable in the developments of
the profession.
4.2 Data Presentation and Analysis
This section seeks to present the analysis of the data collected
from the staff for the purpose of this study. To do so effectively the
presentation is done using descriptive analysis, which is carried out
through the use of charts and tables.
4.2.1 Benefits of a Digital Library (staff)
The researcher provided the respondents with statements on usual
benefits ascribed to the use of the digital library. They were
requested to tick the most appropriate responses. The data
collected in this regard is presented in table 4.2.2
42
Table 4.2.2 Benefits of a digital library
Benefits Respondents Percentage
Remote Access 5 25
Faster Access to
Information 6 30
Freedom/Reduced
bureaucracy 7 35
Improved search 2 10
Total 20 100
The table 4.2.2 shows that the respondents would derive greater
freedom and reduced bureaucracy with total respondents of
7(35%), a faster access to information resources 6(30%) followed
by remote access at 5(25%). Ten per cent (10%) of the
respondents thought they would derive improved search
functionality. Also sampled was the level of satisfaction a digital
library would give as compared to the normal library, most of the
respondents here showed high satisfaction to the services offered.
43
Table 4.2.3Challenges of Implementing a Digital Library
Challenges Level of
responses
%
Inadequate fund
for DL software
12 30
Network issues 10 25
Power shortages 4 10
Poor views about
DLs
6 15
Lack of Qualified
Staff
8 20
Total 40 100
Challenges of implementing a DL
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Inadequate
funds
Network
Issues
Power
shortages
Poor Views Lack of
Qualified
Staff
Fig 1
Table 4.2.3 and Fig 1 show that the inadequate funds for the
digital library software were seen as the biggest challenge of
implementing a digital library to the university. This could be as a
result of budget cut of libraries, the expensive nature of these
software and the cost of starting these projects. The lowest
44
challenge shown in the table and graph was power shortages.
This could be attributed to the solar panels and inverters the
libraries server and library is run on. Also analysed here was who
should be in charge of handling the digital library. To this end
there was an incline to the view that librarians with information
technology skills should run the operations of the digital library
probably because librarians are taught to support the view of
freedom of access to information and open access and with the
information technology skills they could better aid this view.
4.3 Digital Libraries and Academic Performance (staff)
Of the twenty staff sampled only nine (9) were currently
undergoing any academic training their responses are tabulated
and shown below.
Table 4.3.1 Digital libraries and academic performance
DL & academic performance Responses
Supplement lectures 4
Provision of relevant
resources
9
Total 13
45
The table shows that all nine (9) respondents felt that a digital
library would provide relevant information resources for them.
While four out of the total nine thought that the start of a digital
library would act as a supplement to their lectures.
4.4 Formats of Information Resources to be Provided (staff)
The researcher sought to know what forms of information
resources should be provided if the digital library should begin. This
was in an attempt to make sure that the resources meet the users
need and the become benefactors of the project. Their responses
are shown and discussed below.
Table 4.4.1 information formats to be provided
Information
Formats
Respondents Percentage
Paper 4 16.7
Electronic 8 33.3
Combination of
the two
12 50
Total 24 100
The table 4.4.1 shows that twelve (50%) of the respondents say the
library should provide a combination of both (paper and
electronic) information resources. This could be attributed to
various factors;
46
The fact that not every one owns or can afford to purchase a
computer, not everyone knows how to operate a computer and
health issues.
The Students
Here we shall analyse the data gathered from the students of the
institution of which we have a total of eighty questionnaires. Of this
eighty they gender distribution was as follows forty five (45) male
and thirty five (35) female respondents. Also there was a higher
number of undergraduate (55) against the postgraduate (25) all
these are shown in the tables below.
Table showing number of male to female respondents and their
percentage
Gender No of respondents Percentage
Male 45 56
Female 35 44
Total 80 100
Table showing Academic status of respondents
Academic Status No of respondents Percentage
Undergraduate 55 69
Postgraduate 25 31
Total 80 100
47
4.5 Benefits Perceived from a Digital Library (Students)
Table 4.5.1 Perceived Benefits of a Digital Library
Benefits Respondents Percentage
Faster Access to
Information
40 47.62
Stress Free Search 29 34.52
Reduced
Bureaucracy
15 17.86
Total 84 100
Table 4.5.1 shows that students felt a digital library would give
them faster access to information this notion is represented by
forty respondents half of the total valid questionnaires gotten while
only fifteen thought a digital library would give reduced
bureaucracy.
4.6 Perceived Challenges of Executing a Digital Library
(Students)
Table 4.6.1 Challenges of Executing a Digital Library
Challenges No of Responses Percentage (%)
Bandwidth Issues 34 29.3
Power Issues 12 10.3
Inadequate
Computers
26 22.4
Insufficient Finance 14 12.1
Management
Problems
30 25.9
Total 116 100
48
The table shows that a total number of thirty four (34) responses
were flagged to bandwidth issues signifying that if the university
was to think of starting a digital library for its students it would have
to make sure that it is built on a sound network framework another
issue closely tied to this was management problems which had a
total response rate of thirty (30). Not many responses were gotten
on power issues in the university this could be attributed to the fact
that the university has a section (bulk metering) specifically to
cater to all power issues and also because the main library has a
stand by generator and inverters. A representation of the table is
given in figure 2 below
Challenges of executing a DL
0
10
20
30
40
50
Bandwidth
Issues
Power Issues Inadequate
Computers
Inadequate
Finance
Management
Problems
Fig 2
49
4.7 Influence of Digital Libraries on Academic Performance
Table 4.7.1 Influence of Digital Libraries on Students Academic
Performance
Influence Responses Percentage
Relevant resources 49 61
Supplement
Lectures
31 39
Total 80 100
The table 4.7.1 shows that forty nine (61%) of the respondents felt a
digital library would provide relevant resources while thirty one
(39%) felt a digital library would supplement their lectures.
4.8 Conclusion
This chapter has successfully presented and analysed the data
collected for the purpose of this study. One can clearly ascertain
from the tables and graphs the information it portrays. A digital
library would pose some challenges but also bring some good to
the way and manner of information service provision to the staff
and students.
50
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.0 Introduction
The aim of this study is to determine the challenges of
implementing a digital library in an academic institution and show
the likely problems that are inherent and likely to be encountered
during the execution of the digital library. The study will not be
doing justice if it does not provide solution to these likely problems.
This chapter is therefore set forward to provide summary of
findings, conclusions on the issues bothering on the challenges of
implementing a digital library and recommendation.
5.1 Summary of Findings
Given the data gathered and analysed in chapter four, it is
evident that the major challenge of implementing digital libraries
are inadequate funds and bandwidth issues which is because of
the small amount of money allocated for the running of the library.
One can also see from the data gathered that staff thought the
greatest benefit of the digital library is freedom and reduced
51
bureaucracy and faster access to information while students saw
faster access to information as being the greatest benefit. This is
because a digital library would mean access to information
through the use of a computer who’s processing and retrieval
capability is far greater and faster than the human. Finally the
data gathered also revealed that the format of information
favoured by the user of the digital library would be a combination
of paper forms of information and digital or electronic documents.
5.2 Conclusion
In conclusion, it is evident from the study of the challenges of
implementing a digital library that the digital library would have
valid benefits to both the staff and students of the institution,
however no good thing comes easy and thus the library or a
library implementing a digital library should be ready to counter
the challenges shown in this study. The fact that majority of the
students sampled thought that the major challenge of the digital
library project would be bandwidth issues should not be
overlooked because this is an indication that the information and
52
communication technology (ICT) required for the smooth take-off
of the project is poorly developed.
5.3 Recommendation
Having investigated the problems that would possibly militate
against the potential start of the digital library in academic
institutions, the researcher has come up with the following
recommendations.
Qualified people who have the skill and knowledge to run
the project should be employed or better still the library should
train its current staff so that the can be involved in the building of
the digital library. The library should seek for grants that would
enable them fund the digital library project because such a
project although necessary is expensive and the library would not
want to start such a project just to end it mid-way because of lack
of funds. The library management should also have conversations
with other libraries that have undergone similar projects so they
can assess other potential challenges and make plans to do
better.
53
Bibliography
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from http://www.abbeysac.uk/services/papers/abbey.paper
html.
Aguolu, I. E. “Nigerian University Libraries: What Future?” The
International Information and Library Review, 1996.28(3): 262.
Aina, L.O (2002) Research in information science: An African
Perspective. Ibadan: Stifling-Horden Publishers (Nig) Ltd P.39
Akpan, E. O. (2001), “The Virtual Library.” Blueprint on the National
Virtual Library Project. Federal Ministry of Education. Lagos,
Nigeria. Section C, pp. 20.
Allen B. Vannear. “Major Decision Points in Library Automation,”
College and Research Libraries, 31(September 1970), 303-304
Arms, W. Y. Key concepts in the architecture of the digital library.
D-lib Magazine, July,
1995URL:http://www.dlib.org/dlib/July95/07arms.html
Asika(1991) Research Methodology in Behavioural Science.
Ibadan: Longman Nig Plc
Bierman (1980), Library Automation Ariji Vol 9. In Technology for
Management and Service (ed). Madu, EC Ibadan: Evi-
Coleman p.3.
Cochrane, P.A. (1992), “Information Technology in Libraries and
Ranganathan’s five laws of Library Science,” Libri 42(3) p.243-
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Devchoudhuri, G.B. “Digital Libraries: An overview” In T.A.V.
Murthy et al (ed): Automation of Libraries in North Eastern
Region: Trends, Issues and challenges. PLANNER. Shillong. Nov.
6-7. 2003. Inflibnet. Pp 172-176
Digital Library Federation.(2000). DLF Home. Washington, DC:
Council on Library and Information Resources. Retrieved May
29, 2009 from the World Wide Web:
http://www.clir.org/diglih/dlfhomepage.htm.
Dix, A., Finlay, J., Abowd, G. and Beale, R. (1995), Human-
computer Interaction. Prentice-Hall.
Gbaje, E.S. (2007), The Challenges of Implementing Virtual Libraries
for Higher Institutions in Nigeria. “Departmental Seminar Paper
(unpublished).
IBM (1994), Digital libraries: gross structure and requirement (report
from the workshop). [Online] Available WWW:
http://www.ifla.org/documents/libraries/net/rj9840.pdf
(Accessed 9 Sept 2009).
"Information Processing." Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Encyclopaedia Britannica Student and Home Edition.
Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2010.
Irokwe, O. P. I ( 2001), “A Blueprint for Implementing Digital
Libraries in Nigerian Universities.” Blueprint on the National
Virtual Library Project. Federal Ministry of Education. Lagos,
Nigeria. Section C, pp.8.
Kumar, P.S.G. Students Manual of Library and Information Science,
BR Publishing Corporation. New Delhi, 2002. pp 717-719
Landauer, T. (1995), The trouble with computers: Usefulness,
usability and productivity. MIT Press.
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Leedey, P.A (1993) Practical Research: Planning and Design, 3rd
ed. New York: Macmilan Publishing
Mitchell, S. (1999), Interface Design Considerations in Libraries. In D.
Stern (Ed.). DigitalLibraries: Philosophies, Technical Design
Considerations and Example Scenarios (pp 131-181).
Omekwu, C. (2004), Planning for Library and Information Centers.
Computerization in Developing Countries in Technology for
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Paul Beckett and James O’Connell, Education and Power in
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Ahmadu Bello University, Appendix V and VI, pp. 280-1
Ribeiro-Neto, B. and Barbosa, R. (1998), Query Performance
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Akscyn, R. and Shipman, F. (editors). Proceedings of Digital
Libraries'98. pp.182-190
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56
APPENDIX I
Dept of Library and Information
Science,
Faculty of Education,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
4/10/2010
Dear Sir/Madam,
QUESTIONNAIRE ON THE CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING A DIGITAL LIBRARY IN
ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS CASE STUDY A.B.U ZARIA
I am currently undertaking a research on the above subject matter. I will be
most obliged if you can assist me in filling this questionnaire for the research.
By properly ticking the most appropriate boxes. Your responses will be treated
with utmost confidentiality and strictly for academic purposes. Thanks for your
cooperation and assistance.
Yours Sincerely
Imoisili O. Odigie
(Researcher)
57
QUESTIONNAIRE TO BE FILLED BY STAFF ONLY
Section A: Background information
Gender Male [ ] Female [ ]
Status Senior [ ] Junior [ ]
Working Experience
a. Below 3 yrs. [ ]
b. 3-8 yrs. [ ]
c. 8-13 yrs. [ ]
d. 13-20 yrs. [ ]
e. 20 yrs. and Above [ ]
Academic Qualification
a. N.C.E/Diploma [ ]
b. Degree (BLS) [ ]
c. Masters and Above [ ]
Section B: Benefits of a Digital Library
1. Have you ever used a digital library?
Yes [ ] No [ ]
2. How did you access the digital library?
a. Over the internet [ ]
b. On your Local Intranet [ ]
3. What were the benefits of the digital library
58
a. Remote access [ ]
b. Faster access to information [ ]
c. Freedom/reduced bureaucracy [ ]
d. Improved search functionality [ ]
4. How satisfied were you with the services of the digital library as
compared the normal library?
a. Very satisfied [ ]
b. Satisfied [ ]
c. Partially Satisfied [ ]
d. Not Satisfied [ ]
Section C: Challenges of Implementing a Digital Library
1. Which of the following challenges do you envisage in implementing a
digital library in A.B.U?
a. Inadequate funds for digital library software [ ]
b. Network Issues [ ]
c. Power shortages [ ]
d. Poor views of the Digital Library [ ]
e. Lack of qualified staff [ ]
2. Who should be in charge of the digital library
a. Librarians [ ]
b. IT Professionals [ ]
c. Librarians with IT Skills [ ]
59
Section D: Digital Libraries and Academic Performance
1. Are you currently undergoing any form of training?
Yes [ ] No [ ]
2. If yes in which of the following ways do you think a digital library would
help?
a. Provision of relevant information resources [ ]
b. Supplement Lectures [ ]
Section E: Forms of information to be provided
1. What form of information should be provided in the digital library
a. Paper Based [ ]
b. Electronic based [ ]
c. Combination of the two [ ]
60
APPENDIX II
Dept of Library and Information
Science,
Faculty of Education,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
4/10/2010
Dear Sir/Madam,
QUESTIONNAIRE ON THE CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING A DIGITAL LIBRARY IN
ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS CASE STUDY A.B.U ZARIA
I am currently undertaking a research on the above subject matter. I will be
most obliged if you can assist me in filling this questionnaire for the research.
By properly ticking the most appropriate boxes. Your responses will be treated
with utmost confidentiality and strictly for academic purposes. Thanks for your
cooperation and assistance.
Yours Sincerely
Imoisili O. Odigie
(Researcher)
61
QUESTIONNAIRE TO BE FILLED BY STUDENTS ONLY
Section A: Background information
Gender Male [ ] Female [ ]
Academic Status Undergraduate [ ] Postgraduate [ ]
Section B: Perceived Benefits of a Digital Library
5. Have you ever heard of a digital library?
Yes [ ] No [ ]
6. Have you ever use one?
c. Yes [ ] No [ ]
7. In your opinion what benefits would you derive from a digital library
e. Faster access to information resources [ ]
f. Stress free search for information [ ]
g. Reduced bureaucracy [ ]
Section C: Challenges of Executing a Digital Library
3. Which of the following challenges do you envisage in implementing a
digital library in A.B.U?
f. Bandwidth Issues [ ]
g. Power Issues [ ]
h. Insufficient Computers [ ]
i. Insufficient Finance [ ]
j. Management Problems [ ]
62
Section D: Influence of Digital Libraries on Academic Performance
1. Through which of the following do you think a Digital Library would
impact your academic performance?
c. Provision of relevant information resources [ ]
d. Supplement Lectures [ ]