Article Citation: Beshie, U. J. (2025). The necessity of the application of automation to library activities. Al-Takamul International Journal, 1. https://www.al-takamul.com
By
Udida Joseph Beshie
Nasarawa State University Library Keffi Nasarawa State
Besheuj@nsuk.edu.ng./09135736656/07011879345
Abstract
This
article examines the relevance and application of technology to the effective
functioning oflibraries. With the advancement of technology and its application
in the library, several innovations have been introduced, particularly with the
application of Computer and other related technological tools. Computer is
simply an electronic machine which typically, assist human beings in solving
different types of problems. It is a man-made device capable of accepting data
(information) processing it and display the result by means of a screen known
as monitor. After processing the information, it now sends it to a printer
where the information is printed out. A commonly used high-quality printer is
the laser printer. Its characteristics are accuracy, speed, storage,
versatility of operation. It operates at high speed. The keyboard of a computer
is similar to that of a typewriter, with little dissimilarities such as control
key. In Nigeria, academic libraries are among the most significant types of
libraries and are usually sponsored by public or government funding. Most of
them have large resources and best sponsored by both the parent organization
and the government of Nigeria. The users of academic libraries are researchers,
lecturers, students and the entire academic community. The methodology employed
is that of social science methodology. Here we used qualitative method which
employs the of non-numerical data, such as text, observations to get in-depth
insights into social contexts and meanings library automation. The objectives
were to ascertain the application of automation to library activities and its
importance to users. From the findings we came to the conclusion that
automation to library activities is a sine qua-non to better services in
library sector.
Keywords:
Necessity, Application, Computer, Libraries.
Introduction
Some years ago, libraries make use of manual services such as
card, catalogues, typewriters, and the manually assigned due dates. Library
automation therefore, is an up-to-date method of enabling libraries and their
users to effectively use library sources. Automation involves the use of
technology to save human effort and time in the performance of library
operations. The aim of library automation is to set librarians and library
staff free and to allow them contribute more meaningfully in order to spread knowledge
and information. Automating a library involves restructuring its functions and
improving service delivery. By keeping a data base as the basis, automation
replaces manual traditional methods of library orientation with new technology
of information storage and retrieval system. The significance of this study is
to abreast library users that with automation they can access libraries with
little assistance from libraries instead of the traditional methods where if
the librarian is not available , users can not get resources from the library
with little efforts.
Concept of Library Automation
Automation is derived from a Greek word “Automose” meaning
something that has the power of spontaneous motion or self movement. In a
library context, automation refers to the computerization or mechanization of
all library activities. It can as well be defined as the performance of an
operation, a series of operation or self-activating, self-controlling, or
automatic means. The implication is that, it is the use of automatic data
processing equipment such as computer or other labor saving devices to the operation
of library activities. It is a change from a manual methsod of doing things to
a technological system of doings in the library that minimizes the necessity of
human intervention in their operation.
D.S. Harder was the first person to introduce the term automation
in 1936 but the word library automation has been used in literature for the
last five decades. The above definitions are generally true but rapid
technological change is forcing a re-examination of what it means to “automate
a library”.
Generally, library has to mean the application of computers and
related data processing equipment to libraries. Library automation refers to
the phenomenon of mechanization of traditional library activities such as
acquisition, serials control, cataloguing, circulation etc. Although computers
have a major role in library automation, telecommunication and reprography
technologies have equally important roles because of the support they offer to
library automation.
Theory and Objective of Reference Services
Library theory encompasses the concepts, principles, and models
that underlie the practice of librarianship. It includes ; collection
development, organization and user services. Mean while the objectives are; to
collect, preserve and provide access to knowledge, to support education and
research and promote literacy and lifelong learning amongst others.
Reference services involve assisting and guiding users in locating
relevant information, either manually or online. The materials of the reference
section of a library according to Ifidon (2006) are not meant to be taken out
of the reference section but for consultation within the reference section of
the library. They are not to be read from page to page because most of them are
very bulky. They are also for brief consultation. Reference sources generally
provide concise, authoritative information rather than exhaustive, in-depth
treatment of topics..
Reference information is reliable but not very exhaustive
practically on any topic. It is the reference librarian who interprets the
user’s question, identify the location of the material needed by the library
patron; also decide whether the answer is correct or adequate. Reference
information resources are many and different. The provision of information is
an important role of all libraries is the major function of all libraries,
reference services inclusive. On request, reference library users are provided
this service by means of the reference librarian. User’s of reference sources
or materials have different queries that have to be solved by the reference
librarian Reference service often involves person-to-person interaction, but it
also includes virtual and remote reference. In some situations, reference
activities involve interviewing the user or patron to aid the reference
librarian to be aware or know the information problem of the reader clearly and
properly. After interviewing the reader, the reference librarian will then
embark on searching for the material and where the information can be found in
a certain book or on line since libraries have become internet compliant. The
result of the interview will enable the reference librarian to locate the
information that will serve the information need of the reader in answering the
users query. The reference interview is important because misunderstanding the
user’s need can lead to inadequate assistance; however, it is not required for
all enquiries.
Reference sources or information materials contain information on
any topic. Reference materials such as encyclopedia or dictionaries are not
meant to be read from page to page or from cover to cover. They are for brief
consultation when necessary in order to supply the information needed by the
user of the reference section of the library. Since these reference sources are
very important for research and other purposes, they are normally separated
from other sources of the main library. Reference sources can be both in
printed and electronic forms. They are mainly published to provide answers to
any type of question that may be asked or raised by the user of the reference
section. Reference materials mainly contain facts and they are generally based
on universally accepted knowledge.
Objectives of Library Automation
1. Speedy
disposal of Library work
2. Establishment
of well storage and retrieval system
3. Saving of
human effort and power with qualitative services.
4. It is
suitable for library cooperation and coordination
5. Simplicity
in library management and meeting the objectives
6. Proper
use of human resources.
7. Development
of new library services
8. Preparation
of reports and correspondences
9. Suitable
for resource sharing and networking
10. Development of human resources.
Special Features of Library Automation
a. It is an
electronic based activity carried out by human beings.
b. It useful
for the provision of library services.
c. Standardization
of library activities/work
d. Work
accuracy
e. Speeding
communication and transmission of Information.
f. Eliminate
duplication of work in the library.
g. Helps in
the training of library staff.
h. Information
is readily available on time.
i. It saves
time.
j. It is
user-friendly.
Advantages of Library Automation
1. By using
computer and other technologies, it is possible to enhance services in
libraries.
2. Library
automation reduces the work load for library staff.
3. In
library automation, library work is quickly and easily done than the manual
method.
Disadvantages of library Automation
1. It cut
down the number of workers in the library. Few workers are needed in library
automation; hence the work of ten library staff can be done by one machine or
computer.
2. Library
automation is costly.
3. More
money is expended on automated system than Books. The danger is that,
automation will end with a system of scholarly communication that is
technically driven than intellectually desirable.
4. It will
give birth to rising library buildings and maintenance cost.
The Development and Growth of Libraries in Africa
Generally, Africa is regarded as backward continent because during
the ancient times there was very little interaction between Africans and the
West. As a result of this, it was thought that Africa was late in receiving
western civilization. According to Aina 2021, it is on record that, collections
of recorded knowledge were found in Africa since there was a development of
writing in Egypt and Ethiopia. Just the same way like in the Greek Roman
Empires, learned priests and monks played major roles in the spread of
knowledge in Ethiopia because manuscripts were kept in monasteries and
churches. The language that was adopted by Ehhiopia as a religious and
diplomatic language was Ge’ez. Also, the spread of Islam to some parts of
Africa by Arabic missionaries brought the use of Arabic writing that created
Arabic records in Africa. The earliest written handbook known as Periplus
of the Erythrean Sea was written in Greek language. This book
contained information on ships and sailors involving the exchange of goods
between the Eastern African mainland and the East Africancoast. Also records
were found describing trade between southern China and East Africa. The first
written record in African language was known as Geez. These recorded indigenous
language was a Bible written in Geez language.
Christian missionaries were in the forefront of the spread and
expansion of knowledge in Africa. The developed a system of writing in African
languages and encouraged education or literacy. During that period, took the
place of recorded knowledge before the missionaries came to Africa. Because of
the absence of recorded knowledge or written records, there was hardly any
development of libraries generally in Africa. Even though there was a
preservation of knowledge through the elders of communities that were used as
repositories of knowledge on the culture of the community. This knowledge was
transmitted verbally from one generation to the other by means of rituals and
ceremonies etc.
Important libraries existed in Africa in the 19th century.
A notable example was the South Africa library that was established in Cape
Town in 1818 called the south African Public Library. Also libraries were
established in Africa, especially subscription libraries in Grahamstown in
1842, Port Elizabeth (1848), Cradock (1850). The Fourah Bay College Library was
established in Sierra Leone in 1827, the Faculty of Medicine Library was
founded in 1828 in Cairo. At St Louis-Senegal, a library was founded there
known as the Bibliotheque du Centre de Recherches et de Documentation du
Senegal. Also in Liberia, the Library of the University of Liberia was founded
in the year 1862. In Egypt, a National Library was established in Cairo in
1870, while in Algeria; the Library of the University of Algiers was founded in
1879. In Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), the Bulawayo Public Library was
opened in 1896 as a subscription Library. The first agricultural library in
tropical Africa was founded in Zomba, Nyasaland now (Malawi) in 1899 Aina
(2004).
Digital Services and the Digital Divide
As more commercial and government services move online,, public
libraries provide Internet access for users who lack reliable connectivity at
home. One of the core missions of public libraries is to bridge the digital
divide by offering free access to computers and digital resources.
In addition to the provision of access to computer and Internet
information, public libraries offer training and support to computer users. The
moment access to information acquisition is achieved, there still remain a big
gap in the public library user’s online abilities and skills. For this reason,
many public libraries provide computer and ICT training, although other types
of libraries may also offer similar services. A fundamental service provided by
the public library is the assistance given to her users in terms of
e-government access and the use of state, federal and local government sources,
information, forms and services. All over the world, public libraries are
always offering Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services,
offering access to information and knowledge a high priority (RAM 2016).
General services offered by public libraries to the public in some countries
include free Internet connection, free Internet user training and important
relevant information in appropriate languages. Public libraries also helps in
combating the digital divide.
Conclusion
The necessity of automation in library activities is undeniable.
Automation has become an essential tool for libraries to improve efficiency,
accuracy, and user satisfaction. By automating routine tasks, librarians can
focus on more strategic and user-centric activities, such as collection
development, reader's advisory, and community outreach. Automation also enables
libraries to provide 24/7 access to resources, improve discovery and access to
collections, and enhance the overall user experience. Additionally, automation
helps libraries to reduce costs, increase productivity, and make data-driven
decisions. In today's digital age, libraries must adapt to the changing needs
of their users and leverage technology to remain relevant.
By embracing automation, libraries can: Automation is no longer a
luxury, but a necessity for libraries to thrive in the digital era. By
embracing automation, libraries can unlock new opportunities, improve services,
and continue to play a vital role in.
Recommendations:
Based on findings of the study, it was established that a good
number of library staff and librarians nationally in academic institutions are
becoming computer literate.
From my findings, therefore, there is need for all academic
librarians to be computer literate in order to sort scholarly publications
necessary for their publications. Since computer internet information and
publication is gradually becoming more important than bound volumes, therefore
librarians ought to be computer literate.
The government of Nigeria should address the problem of epileptic
power supply in Nigeria academic institutions properly, so that computers can
be effectively used in our libraries and offices.
Also, the effectiveness of any academic institution is judged by
the quality of her library materials, as such all libraries, school to national
should be properly funded and equip with functional computer and current
sources for users to imbibe knowledge for information acquisition.
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