Retrospective Conversion of Arabic Collections at a Nigerian University Library

Abstract

The University of Jos Library, Nigeria had envisioned the computerisation of its functions and services since the 1980s, but it was not until 1992 that it had its first set of microcomputers. The retrospective conversion (RECON) of the library’s collection is currently in progress, and the Integrated Technical Services (ITS) for Windows software is being used for it. This paper highlights progress and challenges in connection with the RECON of the Arabic collection in the library, including lack of bibliographic details of many of the collection items, inaccessible search information in the database and lack of imprint in some Arabic collection. It is recommended that the library should consider acquiring library software that can handle the RECON of Arabic and other foreign languages, as well as acquiring Arabic materials with bibliographic data that are in accordance with international standard.