Barriers to successful university library automation in Ghana with particular reference to the Balme library

Abstract

Library automation assumed a great deal of importance in libraries in the mid 1960's. Since then it has become a household word in librarianship. Library automation in university libraries in Ghana is a relatively new concept. Even though computers have been installed in the three university libraries in Ghana, computerization has not had much impact on the services provided by these libraries. This paper reviews the computerization projects in the university libraries in Ghana, with a particular reference to the Balme Library of the University of Ghana. Reasons for automation, areas of application and problems associated with automation are discussed. Also highlighted are barriers militating against successful university library automation, like financial problems, attitudinal problems, lack of co-operation among university libraries, hardware and software problems and personnel problems. Recommendations are made for the improvement of automation at the university libraries in Ghana. These include evaluation of existing systems, properly planned automation project, financial support and co-operation among the university libraries.