ABSTRACT

 The study examined the effect of information and communication technology (ICT) on cataloguing and classification of information resources in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) Library. It study was guided by five (5) research objectives. Literature were reviewed under conceptual framework; empirical studies and summary of the reviewed related literature. The study adopted a descriptive survey method. The population of the study wasfive (5) library staffworking in the Cataloguing and Classification Department of the institution studied. The entire population was sampled giving rise to a system of complete census. A researcher-made questionnaire was the main instrument usedfor data collection. A total offive (5) copies ofthe questionnaire were distributed, out of which all were retrieved, giving a response rate of 100%. Data collected were analysed using frequency counts and descriptive statistics ofmean scores andpresented in frequency tables. A criterion mean of2.50 was usedfor the study, as any item with mean score below 2.50 was disagreed, whereas items that scored mean scores of 2.50 and above were agreed. Findings of the study showed that numerous ICTs have been adopted in the cataloguing and classification ofinformation resources in MOUAU Library. Findings have further shown that these ICTs are adapted to a high extent and have numerous positive effects, such as making cataloguing and classification easy, reduces errors in cataloguing and classification, brings about quick cataloguing and classification practice, makes for effective search, location and retrieval of information resources, among other effects. The study also revealed numerousfactors militating against the adoption ofICTs in the library operation studied as well as the solutions to the militating factors. The study concludes that ICTs have numerous positive effects on the cataloguing and classification of information resources in MOUAU Library. It recommended the adoption offee-based services for generation of additional funds to finance ICT projects of the library, provision of basic infrastructural facilities like strong desk, air-conditioned rooms, etc. for their application and functioning, recruitment ofICT-competent staff, andprovision standby generators or building of solar energypanelsfor improvedpower supply, among other recommendations.