A COMPUTERISED CENTRAL REFERENCE LIBRARY (CRL): A CASE STUDY OF FEDERAL 1\,HI"':ISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, ABUJA

Abstract

Library is a collection of books and journals. Building up that collection is therefore of pre-eminent imponance. Library retlects dual role - teaching and the other research. However, there are different types of libraries - University libraries. Prison libraries. special libraries. Central Reference Library is a special type of library serving as information centre for its parent institution and because of its dynamic approach. the planning of layout is less easily predictable. A Central Reterence Library housekeeping routines taKe up the greatest part of the staff's time, since such operations are by their very nature repel imc. clerical and by and large fairly simple, they often ideally suited tor computerization. Libraries are therefore turning increasingly to automated systems as a means of coping with the heavy load work. often with fewer staff. This project is designed to provide librarians :lI1d mill'r academic personnel w.ith a current technological treatment of the more important issues 111 the administration of a Central Reference Library. It is written with the view that details of ()per;uioll M' an acquisitions department and other operational departments are considered. The issues amJ llwblems dealt with are those which in substantial degree affect the economy of the library operauon. its service to its clientele, the securing of adequate financial support. the impact of variOUS matters on the staff and external relations both on and off the Ministry. It is hoped that if \\ ill be tound useful.