Library Automation and User Friendliness of Digital Library Services: A Study

Library automation plays an important role in improving the efficiency, accessibility, and quality of library services in higher educational institutions. The introduction of automated library systems, Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs), and digital library software has transformed the way users search for, retrieve, and access information. The present study examines the status of library automation, the availability of OPAC facilities, the presence of digital library software, and users’ perceptions of the user-friendliness of these systems. The analysis is based on primary data collected from respondents. The findings reveal that most respondents reported that their libraries were automated and that OPAC facilities and digital library software were available in their respective libraries. The responses also indicate favourable perceptions regarding the user-friendliness of OPAC and digital library software. However, the findings suggest a difference between the availability of digital facilities and the overall status of library automation. The study highlights the need to strengthen automation infrastructure, improve user awareness, and provide appropriate training to ensure the effective utilisation of library technologies in higher educational institutions.

 

Keywords: Library automation, OPAC, digital library software, user-friendliness, academic libraries, information services, library technology.

Library automation OPAC digital library software user-friendliness academic libraries information services library technology.