Digital Library: An Avenue To Serve Millions Of Patrons

The total of these top five (5) populated Nigerian universities have less than 180,000 students. Below are the most populated universities in Nigeria and their estimated population of students:

• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – 36,000.
• University of Ibadan (UI) – 35,000.
• Amadu Bello University (ABU) – 32,000.
• University of Lagos (UNILAG) – 44,183.
• University of Calabar (UNICAL) – 29,000.

On the other hand, the Bangladesh National University located in Gazipur, Dhaka, has a total enrolment of 1,000,000 students, scattered across its many affiliate colleges found throughout the country as well as those on its main campus.The teaching is provided through blended learning supported by their digital library. Therefore, Librarians must understand the role of digital library in e-learning. This will enhance the capacity of our existing institutions to absorb more students without the constraint of physical infrastructures. This course is focused on the possibilities provided by digital libraries and e-learning in expanding the students’ absorption capacity of our higher institutions in Nigeria.

Therefore, today’s Librarians can equip themselves more by transforming to digital librarians. One million students populated institution can only be supported by e-learning and digital librarians. It is possible in Nigeria.

Course Objective

The course is aimed to train professionals in building and managing digital libraries out of their own resources. There will be extensive hands on practice and half day will be devoted to project on developing prototype digital libraries.

• To have knowledge of various hardware/software skills required for next generation libraries
• To Have hands on training on use of KOHA and DSpace
• Training on techniques for installation, modification of Library Management software
• Interactive Session

The following topics will be discussed

Koha and DSpace – Technical and User Training

An intensive course for anyone who wants to host and set up their own in-house Koha system. You'll set up a Koha Library System that is secure, fully functional, and upgradable. You will also learn how to use Koha to run your library.

Course Outline

• Overview of Koha
• Installing Koha
• Initial Koha configuration
• How to catalogue items
• Adding borrowers
• How to circulate items
• Using notices
• How to do batch operations on borrowers and items
• Acquire materials using the acquisitions module
• How to get out what you put in - statistics and reporting
• Customizing the look and feel

DSpace download and installation and administration

DSpace Customization and Working with the Interface

DSpace Road Map

Building Communities and Collections in DSpace

Membership, Subscription and Submission in DSpace

DSpace Administration: E-People, Group and Authorization Policies, and License

Target Audience

Library personnel, librarians, or IT staff who have an interest in learning how to build and maintain a Koha software and Installation of DSpace software

 Accommodation:

This course is non-residential. Participants are to lodge in hotels of their choice near the Training centre. A list of these Hotels will be provided on request.