Abstract
This study investigated the awareness and utilisation of Online Public Access Catalogue
(OPAC) among academic staff in selected university libraries in Oyo State, Nigeria. The
study was guided by three research questions covering awareness, extent and challenges. A
descriptive survey research design was adopted. A sample of 146 academic staff was used,
and data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using
frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The illustrative findings revealed that
academic staff demonstrated a generally high level of awareness of OPAC, with a grand of
(mean =2.85). The extent of utilisation was also high, with a grand (mean = 2.48). Academic
staff mainly utilised OPAC to locate books for research, identify library materials,
determine availability and support teaching activities. Major challenges included unstable
electricity supply, poor internet connectivity, system breakdown, inadequate OPAC
terminals and insufficient orientation with a grand of (mean =2.85). It recommends regular
OPAC orientation and practical training, improved internet connectivity, adequate access
devices, reliable electricity, continuous sensitisation and development of online OPAC
tutorials for academic. The study concludes that although academic staff are generally
aware of and utilise OPAC, greater attention is required to improve advanced, remote and
mobile utilisation. These measures would enhance effective access to university library
collections and strengthen the contribution of OPAC to academic teaching and research.
Keywords: Academic staff, awareness, academic libraries, information retrieval, Online
Public Access Catalogue, (OPAC)
Publication Date: 2026-10-31