ASSESSMENT OF CATALOGUING AND CLASSIFICATION PRACTICES OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF NIGERIA IN THE DIGITAL AGE: A BIBLIOGRAPHIC CONTROL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The study assessed cataloguing and classification practices of the National Library of Nigeria in the digital age from bibliographic control perspective. The study was guided by two objectives. The design of the study was descriptive survey design, while sampling technique adopted was purposive sampling of four professional departments. Method of data analysis for research questions involved using a combination of descriptive and inferential statistics, mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that though cataloguing and classification of information resources are highly practiced with the use of standard tools, the digital age has not impacted on her cataloguing practices, as the practices are not ICT-driven in this digital age. Cataloguing and classification practices are not automated, e-tools are not effectively used in cataloguing and classification, and even resource description and access (RDA) has not been implemented in the apex library of the nation. Recommendations were made, and the study concluded that it is imperative for the National Library of Nigeria to be ICT-driven in her cataloguing and classification practices in this digital age, so as to engender effective bibliographic control and effectively contribute to the world knowledge through universal bibliographic control and universal availability of publications.