Automation Challenges in Academic Libraries: An Exploration of Academic Libraries in Cameroon

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed at exploring the automation challenges in academic libraries in Cameroon. As objectives, the study set out to: explore the pre-automation challenges faced; identify automation software used; examine the post-automation challenges encountered by 2 automated academic libraries which are; the University of Buea and St. Francis of Biaka University Institute of Buea libraries. Participants were 4 administrators selected from these libraries and data were collected from them through interviews. The interview guide was validated by professional librarians, and thematic analysis was applied to collected data. The findings portrayed planning, budget, equipment, staff, technophobia, Internet and electricity as pre-automation challenges; Pour Ma Biblioteque, DSpace and Koha as automation software used; and maintenance, insufficient equipment, insufficient staff training, insufficient budgets, shortage of trained staff, technophobia of staff and users, poor Internet connectivity and irregular electricity supply as post automation challenges. Some of the recommendations of this study are that, academic library and their mother institutions should invest much in training of staff and users to ensure sustainability and maximum benefit of the automated systems; and academic libraries should consider other sources of energy like solar energy amongst others.