Challenges of Professional Librarians on Cataloguing and Classification in University Libraries: Experience from Festus Aghagbo Nwako Library,

Abstract

This paper investigated the attitude of library staff towards cataloguing and classification in Festus Aghagbo Nwako Library, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. The objectives of the study were to find out the nature of cataloguing and classification in Festus Aghagbo Nwako Library, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, the attitude of the library staff towards cataloguing and classification in the library, the reasons for their attitude towards cataloguing and classification, the extent to which their attitude affected cataloguing and classification in the library and their perception on the strategies that can improve cataloguing and classification. Questionnaire was used for data collection; the questionnaire was distributed to fifty professionals and para-professional in the library. The major findings of the work revealed that the library used manual cataloguing with tools like library of congress subject heading list and scheme. Some library staff have positive attitude towards cataloguing and classification because it expose them to world of information resources, learn more when they catalogue and classify, brain tasking, interesting and requires a high level of imagination. While some have negative attitude because it is challenging, complicated and too monotonous to do. Some strategies that can improve staff attitude include computerization of cataloguing and classification practice, employing more cataloguers through special allowance and conducting seminars, workshops and conferences to train cataloguers on the current trends involved were also recommended. These will invariably enhance and improve staff attitude to cataloguing practice in the library.