Evaluation of Online Public Access Catalogues in Academic Libraries in South East Nigeria

This study evaluated the functionality and user-friendliness of Online Public Access Catalogues in selected academic libraries in South East Nigeria, covering institutions in Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi States. Online Public Access Catalogues are the primary interface through which library users interact with collection data, and their design and functionality directly affect user satisfaction and retrieval success. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were obtained from library users and staff through structured questionnaires, supplemented by usability tests conducted with volunteer participants. The study found that while all three institutions had deployed catalogue systems, functionality was inconsistent: keyword search was available in all, but subject and Boolean search options were limited in two of the three systems. System downtime and slow retrieval speeds were frequently cited. Library staff reported difficulty maintaining current catalogue records due to insufficient cataloguing personnel. The study recommended investment in robust catalogue software with enhanced search functionality, regular staff training in catalogue management, and the adoption of patron-driven customisation options. Keywords: OPAC, academic library, South East Nigeria, catalogue, usability.