Perception of the use of card catalogue and online public access catalogue (OPAC) among undergraduates of Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the most employable and effective retrieval system between card catalogue and online public access catalogue (OPAC) among undergraduates of Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria. Three research questions were raised in order to find out the perception of the use of card catalogue and online public access catalogue (OPAC) among undergraduates of Kwara State University. The study included a sample size of 360 students who were selected at random from the university’s seven faculties. Data was obtained through administered questionnaires and the data was evaluated using descriptive statistics. The outcome of the research indicated that majority of the undergraduates were aware of the OPAC and were of the opinion that it is more current and accessible anywhere within and outside the university environment than the card catalogue that requires users to visit the library before it can be access. Many of the respondents preferred online public access catalogue to the card catalogue due to its flexibility, less time consuming, and because it provides easier reference point. It is advisable for the university library to mount more OPAC stands for the undergraduates and other users of the library.