Selection Criteria for Computer Software and Hardware: A Case Study of Six University Libraries in Nigeria

This paper investigates the criteria used in the selection of computer hardware and software in six university libraries in Nigeria. Six (6) copies of a questionnaire were sent to selected librarians in Edo and Delta states, Nigeria. All copies of the questionnaire were retrieved. The data collected were analyzed. The fin dings reveal that the respondents took into consideration such factors as memory, speed, capacity, durability, costs, reliability and standardization, brand and manufacturer, warranty, and scalability of the system before procuring computer hardware. The respondents also take into consideration the reliability and track record of the vendor, service and technical support, previews or sample sections, compatibility with other program s being used, product cost, and data migration before procuring computer software. It is also noteworthy that the respondents have encountered with electricity failure, improper implementation, and difficulties to get qualified personnel to maintain and/or repair computer hardware when it was broken down.