ANALYSIS OF CATALOGUING AND CLASSIFICATION PRACTICES IN SELECTED LIBRARIES IN SOUTH-WEST, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study compared cataloguing and classification practices in selected libraries in South-Western Nigeria. Descriptive survey was adopted, while 49 cataloguing staff and sectional/unit heads of the surveyed libraries were used for the study. Researchers designed and used questionnaire for collection of data.  49 copies of the questionnaire administered were returned and used for the analysis. Data were analyzed using simple percentages, and frequency table. The study shows that using Anglo-American Cataloguing Rule 2 (AACR2) is the major tasks/steps use in academic libraries, while both special and public libraries use selection of books respectively. The major form of cataloguing practice in the selected libraries is manual cataloguing. The major access points provided for searching in academic and special libraries is Author while public libraries used Title. The most highly utilized tools and resources for cataloguing and classification in academic libraries is Online Catalogue Databases that of special libraries is Computer. The study observed that the level of utilization of provided tools and resources for cataloguing and classification is low in public libraries. The finding also shows that academic libraries and special libraries adopted ICT greatly in cataloguing and classification. The study reveals challenges facing cataloguing and classification practice in libraries which includes among others shortage of professional cataloguers, inadequate cataloguing tools, and inadequate training of cataloguing staff. The study therefore, recommends that library management should recruit more cataloguers or train the existing staff on the modern methods of cataloguing and classification.  ICT should be properly integrated into the library system, to facilitate cataloguing and classification work.