Effect of the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) on the Academic Performance of Undergraduate Students in Nigeria: The Experience at the University of Lagos and American University of Nigeria
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Date
2010-05-07
Authors
Alabi, A.O
Bukar, I
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Abstract
Libraries have had one form of catalogue or another, ranging from a mental list in the mind of the librarians
to book catalogs, card indexes, etc. These catalogues have existed to guide library users through the collection they wish to use. With the evolution of Online Public Access Catalogs (OPAC), it is possible to
access the library collections without pulling- the drawers of three by five cards.This study examined ho .
undergraduate students in two Nigerian universities learnt how to use the OPAC, the effect and constraints
of using it, how often they encounter problems using it, the actions taken at such times, and if it has
enhanced their academic performance. The study adopted a survey approach through use of a structured
questionnaire that elicits relevant information from the students of University of Lagos and the American
University of Nigeria. The study revealed that OPAC is known and used by Nigerian undergraduates as an
effective and efficient retrieval tool of library materials. However, use is constrained by lack of sufficient
computer systems within the library to meet the needs of the students for libraries that are not web-based.
Based on the findings of this study, useful suggestions were made.
Description
Conference Papers
Keywords
Online Public Access Catalogue , Academic Performance
Citation
Alabi, A.O and Bukar, I (2010) Effect of the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) on the Academic Performance of Undergraduate Student in Nigeria: the Experience at the University of Lagos and American University of Nigeria. Proceedings of Second Professional Summit on Information Science and Technology Held at the Nnamdi Azikwe New Library Complex, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.