Strategies for implementing library automation in Anambra State Polytechnic Mgbakwu, Awka North, Nigeria: A review of best practices

Abstract

Globally, the implementation of library automation systems in tertiary institutions is a complex process that requires careful planning, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement. Significant empirical evidence from literature revealed that 90% of academic libraries that successfully implemented library automation systems had a well-defined implementation plan in place, staff training and effective stakeholder engagement accounted for 75% of the critical factors for successful implementation, and agile methodologies helped reduce implementation time by up to 40% and led to higher user satisfaction with library services while involving faculty members, students, and other stakeholders in the decision-making process and communicating the benefits of library automation can lead to increased support and buy-in. Despite these important virtues, numerous investigations have shown a significant library automation gap among tertiary institutions in Nigeria due to insufficient user involvement, inadequate data management practices, incompatible systems and software, inadequate training and support, poor planning and implementation, resistance to change, and insufficient funding among others. This study highlights strategies for implementing Library Automation in Anambra State Polytechnic Mgbakwu, Awka North, Nigeria. The conceptual framework for implementing library automation in this study is based on four interrelated components: planning, stakeholder engagement, staff, and students training, and ongoing support and maintenance. A narrative review methodology of related research findings from peer-reviewed articles was adopted to provide a useful way to synthesize and summarize the existing literature that revealed significant information on strategies for implementing Library Automation in Anambra State Polytechnic Mgbakwu, Awka North, Nigeria. Results show that implementation of library automation in tertiary institutions requires careful planning, stakeholder engagement, staff training, and software and hardware support and maintenance. The best practices and statistics discussed in this review article suggest that effective implementation strategies can lead to successful automation projects that improve library operations and services.