Abstract
The research looked at the competencies and perceptions of librarians on the Z39.50 protocol's
application to cataloging in university libraries in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria. Four research
questions and objectives guided the research. Descriptive survey research design was adopted
with a population of 183 librarians in the university libraries in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria.
Total enumeration sampling technique was adopted while a Questionnaire was used for data
collection. Descriptive analysis was conducted using the elicited data. The questionnaire was
circulated in 183 copies; 178 of those copies were retrieved. The librarians working at the
university libraries in Delta States, Nigeria and Edo, Nigeria, lacked the competencies required
to utilize the Z39.50 Protocol for cataloging. The librarians working in the understudied
universities had a positive perception of Z39.50 Protocol for cataloguing. The results also
demonstrate that the librarians were aware of the advantages of the Z39.50 protocol for
optimizing the effectiveness of their cataloguing practices. The results showed that the obstacles
preventing university libraries from using the Z39.50 Protocol for cataloguing encompasses the
protocol's inherent complexity, its slowness when handling complex queries, the lack of
organized training for librarians on its use and implementation, and incompatibility problems,
among others. The researchers recommended that frequent training programs be held to increase
librarians' proficiency in implementing the Z39.50 protocol and appropriate plans and policies be
developed to direct the protocol's installation and upkeep in university libraries.
Keywords: Librarians; Competencies; Perception; Z39.50 Use; Cataloguing; University
Libraries
Publication Date: 2025-05-01