An Investigation on Integrated Library Systems (ILS) in Use in University Libraries in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates Integrated Library Systems (ILS) in use in university libraries in Osun State, Nigeria. It is a descriptive survey. All National Univer-sities Commission (NUC) of Nigeria accredited universities in Osun State were selected for the study. Structured interviews (personal and telephonic) and ob-servations were the main tools used to collect data for the study. Four (4) re-search questions were formulated for the study. Simple frequencies and per-centages were used to analyze the data collected. The findings of the study in-dicated 70 of the surveyed libraries have been automated. 90% of the automated libraries adopted KOHA Integrated Library System while 10% adopted VIRTUAL. 14.28% libraries have been fully automated while 85.71% libraries are at advance stage of automation. The study also revealed reasons for which libraries adopted a particular integrated library system to include: comprehensive functionality; library standards compliant; popularity among libraries in Nigeria; technical feasibility and support; web-based interfaces; freedom to change support company or its vendor; being an open source, and upgradability. It recommends that libraries should cooperate together to share resources and experiences to overcome libraries' financial and skills limitations.