Adoption of software and associated problems: A survey of college librarians

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the current status and challenges for automation of college libraries in Punjab. The objectives of this study were to discover the status of library automation, know the benefits gained from automating their routine work task, highlight the challenges. It also examined the expertise of college librarians, and the methods to acquire expertise by college librarians for library automation. Quantitative research approach was used to achieve the objectives of the study. A questionnaire was used for the purpose of data collection. The target population of the study was consisted of 166 college librarians from Punjab province. This study found that majority of college librarians were using LIMS software (76%) for the purpose of automation followed by Koha (20%) and SLIMS (4%). The findings showed that majority of the respondents were using multiple modules including cataloging, administration, circulation, and reports etc. Library automation has enhanced the efficiency of searching and locating materials within the library, improved the accessibility of library resources for users, improved the overall user experience and satisfaction with library services, and has simplified the borrowing and returning process for library materials. This study discovered that that lack of internet, inadequate library budget, lack of IT infrastructure facilities, and lack of up gradation facility were the major problems in library automation in college libraries. College librarians have expertise to generate different types of labels, to use the cataloging module, to install the software, and they can generate administrative accounts for other library staff on software. College librarians gained expertise by using various methods including online tutorials or video courses, seeking feedback from users or experts, self-study and practice with library software, and collaborative projects or discussions with colleagues to learn more about library software.