Motivational Factors and Perception towards Modern Cataloguing and Classification Practical in Library Schools in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the motivational factors and perception towards modern Cataloguing and Classification practical in Library Schools in Kwara State, Nigeria. Survey design was adopted while the target population were undergraduate students from Library Schools in University of Ilorin, Kwara State University and Federal Polytechnic Offa. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. Purposive Sampling Technique was used to draw 112 Librarianship trainees from population of 1,125 undergraduates. Simple percentage and descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data collected. Questionnaire was developed to elicit responses from the respondents. The findings revealed that the perceptions of LIS students towards Modern Cataloguing and Classification practical are not tedious but easy and “modern cataloguing work makes one busy throughout the working hours” The finding further revealed that LIS trainees were motivated when they scored good grades and learning cataloguing and classification in a conducive environment. The challenges of the LIS trainees were inadequate computer training, inadequate classification scheme, insufficient open, closed access database and lack of adequate knowledge of different application software as revealed by the study. It was concluded that undergraduates of LIS students have positive perception towards modern cataloguing and classification. The study recommended that Library Schools administrators should provide adequate tools that can enhance modern cataloguing and classification practical and should also ensure that all the students are trained to handle digitised devices and software.