A study of the use of CD-ROM databases in Nigerian academic libraries

This study investigates the use of CD-ROM databases in academic libraries in Nigeria. The impact of CD-ROM databases on library development in Nigerian academic libraries is discussed. A questionnaire was sent to ten academic libraries in Nigeria, identified from preliminary studies on their CD-ROM database collections and use. High cost of subscriptions to CD-ROM databases was ranked highest as the major constraints to CD-ROM use. Other constraints include: high cost of acquiring personal computers, CD-ROM drives, printers and other peripherals; unavailability of identified documents found in CD-ROM databases in the institutions’ libraries; lack of computer education; shortage of manpower. The most commonly used bibliographic database on CD-ROM is AGRIS and CAB Abstracts. The study recommends joint ventures with CD-ROM producers/vendors and inclusion of substantive abstracts in CD-ROM databases as ways of improving the use of CD-ROM databases in academic libraries in Nigeria.