Digitization of Documents

Digitization of past question papers, dissertations and theses: A case study of 30 Nigerian university libraries Original Research Article
The International Information & Library Review, Volume 39, Issues 3-4, September-December 2007, Pages 228-246
Ibrahim Usman Alhaji
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Summary

This paper evaluates the status of digitization in 30 Nigerian university libraries with a view to identifying the status, progress, prospects and challenges to digitize library materials and form the basis of providing a roadmap to successful execution of digitization projects. The study assessed the status of digitization of past question papers, theses and dissertations in Nigerian university libraries from May to September 2006 through a self-administered questionnaire, site visits and interviews. It was found that, though there are automation services in those universities, there is no digitization of these materials mentioned in the surveyed institutions. The major obstacles militating against digitizing in the university libraries include lack of funds, lack of appropriate facilities, lack of skilled manpower and lack of constant electricity supply. Respondents were anxious to have the services to commence because of their importance in facilitating teaching, learning and research.

2. Proposal for the Digitization of Islamic Collection of Late Usman Dan Fodio - A Model for Resource Sharing Among Libraries

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Ibrahim Alhaji Usman ABSTRACT This paper proposes a Resource Sharing Model through digitization initiative of an important Islamic collection of Usman Dan Fodio a Calipth and Islamic leader in Sokoto, Northern Nigeria, who reigned between the years of 1775-1817. It observes the subjects area covered by the collections, significances and why they need to be digitized and shared beyond the border of Nigeria and Africa. The paper suggests a similar projects model to digitization efforts of Timbuktu collections of Mali carried out by the Library of Congress. It explains the proposed gateway model of resource sharing through digitization in details, where by the scatted collections of Usman Dan Fodio would be retrieved from the various locations, transported to the digitization centre, digitized and uploaded onto the Internet for Libraries to download and make use of them easily accessible to their clientele. Download Paper (158kB) http://www.islamicmanuscript.org/files/USMAN_Ibrahim_2008_TIMA.pdf