Digitization projects in university libraries in Nigeria: the journey so far

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate digitization activities in university libraries in Nigeria and to identify the challenges encountered in their various digitization projects. Design/methodology/approach – Data collection for the study was in two phase. First, a telephone conversation with university librarians is to investigate whether they have adopted digitization of materials. Second, e-mail questionnaire was sent to the various university libraries into digitization projects. Findings – The study revealed that only few university libraries have adopted digitization of their information resources in Nigeria. The main aim of the digitization projects is to have greater access to local contents globally. However, the digitization projects are faced with challenges such as unstable internet connectivity, lack of fund, irregular power supply, collecting materials for digitization, lack of IT personnel, absence of digitization policy, and copyright issues. Ways to overcome the challenges were suggested such as provision of stable internet connectivity, installation of solar energy, purchase of giant generators, and training of staff. Originality/value – Findings from this study might be useful to university libraries in developing countries that are planning to go into digitization of information resources for global accessibility.