Demographic Variables as Factors Influencing Accessibility and Utilisation of Library Software by Undergraduates in two Private Universities in Nigeria

Libraries before the 21st century carried out daily routine library task such as cataloguing and classification, acquisition, reference services etc using manual procedures only but the advent of Information Technology as transformed these routine task that libraries can now automate their activities by deploying the use of library software in carrying its routine task. Library automation no doubt offers many opportunities to improve library services to library patrons. Despite the numerous benefits derived from library software, its j use by users during information search in the library it still at a formative stage because most users do not use the library software. The study was based on appraising demographic variables as factors influencing accessibility and utilisation of library software by undergraduates in two -selected private universities in Nigeria with the- objectives of investigating the purpose of using the software, determining the benefits and challenges of using a library software in managing its collection: Descriptive survey was adopted for the study and the study population comprised of a total population of 4.860 undergraduates: 2,210 in Redeemers University and 2,660 in Bowen University. Simple random sampling was used with a sampling fraction of five percent to give a sample size of 244. The questionnaire was the main instrument complemented with interview guide for the systems analyst and observation checklist. The data was analysed using frequency distribution with percentages and regression analysis. Undergraduates in Bowen that used the library software were male in 3001evel between ages 16-20years while those in Redeemers that used the library software were female students in 2001evel between 16-20 years. Both universities had functional and accessible library software and 67 and 70 respondents in Bowen and Redeemers University respectively stated that the software was user friendly and access to the software was free for all registered users of the library. Undergraduates in Bowen used the library software occasionally for assignments 36(36.4%) and project 31(31.3%) while those in Redeemers used it for assignments 49(44.1%) and term paper 36(32.4%). In both universities undergraduates learnt to use the library software through training from library staff (72.7% in Bowen and 47.7% in Redeemers). Also, the benefit derived from having a library software in the library included time saved and assistance in carrying out their research. Some identified major challenges included frequent downtime of software package and server and irregular power supply. There was also a joint effect of demographic variables on utilisation of library software by undergraduates (r2=0.035, p<0.05) and there was a significant relationship between gender and utilisation of library software (r2=0.140. p<0.05). Deployment of library software for the routine task has helped to ensure proper management and retrieval of resources; however its use is still minimal that undergraduates should be encouraged to make maximum use of the software regularly when searching for library materials. For improved use of the software, librarians should make the undergraduates aware of the software and its benefits and also evaluate the software to ensure that it is still meeting the needs of the users.