Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cloud-Based Library Management Systems in Nigerian Academic Libraries

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of cloud-based Library Management Systems in enhancing service delivery within Nigerian academic libraries. It focused on adoption dynamics, operational impacts, challenges, and implementation strategies. It employed a descriptive survey research design. The researcher gathered data from 90 professional librarians across three purposively selected institutions: Spiritan University, Nneochi Abia State, Federal University of Technology Akure Ondo State, and Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Ondo State. The target population comprised 250 librarians from these universities, from which a sample size of 90 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane's formula at a 5% error margin. Primary data were collected through a validated, 30-item structured questionnaire patterned after a 4-point Likert scale of Strongly Agree=4, Agree=3, Disagree=2, Strongly Disagree=1 for quantitative responses, complemented by six open-ended questions for qualitative insights, achieving a 100% return rate. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics mean, frequency, percentage, and standard deviation, with a decision mean benchmark of 2.50 (items ≥2.50 accepted as significant). Findings revealed that critical adoption factors including ICT infrastructure availability (x̄=3.3), librarians' technical competence (x̄=3.2), and perceived cost benefits (x̄=3.3), strongly influenced cloud LMS uptake. While unreliable internet connectivity (x̄=3.4) and data security concerns (x̄=3.2) emerged as challenges. Cloud systems significantly improve resource accessibility (x̄=3.4), operational efficiency (x̄=3.2), and scalability, offering substantial benefits over traditional systems despite infrastructural constraints. The study recommended a comprehensive staff training, phased implementation, robust vendor evaluation, and institutional investment in reliable internet infrastructure to ensure successful adoption.