LIBRARIANS' DIGITAL SKILLS AND EASE-OF-USE OF OPEN SOURCE LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIAN LIBRARIES

Abstract

This Study Investigated The Digital Skills And Ease-of-use Of Open Source Library Management Software By Librarians In University Libraries In North-central Nigeria. Employing A Descriptive Survey Research Design, The Study Covered A Population Of 301 Librarians And Utilised Total Enumeration Sampling Technique. Data Collection Involves A Structured Questionnaire. Analysis Methods Include Frequency Counts, Mean Values, And Standard Deviation Calculations. The Findings Revealed A High Level Of Ease-of-use Of Open Source Library Management Software In University Libraries, With Koha, Evergreen, And Newgenlib Being Among The Most Commonly Used Platforms. Additionally, The Study Highlights The Librarians' High Level Of Digital Skills. As Recommendations, This Research Suggested Increasing The Utilisation Of Evergreen And Newgenlib To Assess Their Effectiveness In Comparison To Koha. Furthermore, There Is A Pressing Need For Comprehensive Training Programmes Aimed At Enhancing Librarians' Digital Skills And Their Ability To Curate Digital Collections Effectively Through Seminars, Workshops, And Conferences. Additionally, It Emphasises The Importance Of Advocating For Increased Funding For Libraries, Highlighting The Crucial Role That Modern Library Technologies Like Oslms Play In Enhancing Education And Research