Issues in selecting appropriate software for automation and management of academic libraries in Nigeria

The world is dynamic and information management is also dynamic. As such, one needs to change to the trend of global information management. There is an eagerness on the part of academic libraries and librarians in Nigeria to shift from traditional methods of information to modern information technologies. This has led to the influx of library software into the ICT market to drive automation needs of the academic libraries. There is need, however, for quality and reliable software that can effectively run on the operating systems of computers in academic libraries. This paper therefore, aims at creating awareness on the issues of selecting appropriate software for automation and management of academic libraries in Nigeria, and the existing software so as to enhance quality selection. The paper further portrayed the criteria in making an effective selection of software in academic libraries and provides guiding steps libraries should follow before selecting software. The paper not only discusses problems associated with software selection but also made recommendations for a way forward. It recommended for the library software developers to endeavor to always providing an upgrade that will not wipe out away old data, software that will be compatible with other library software user groups