The Revolution and Relevance the of Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) in the Age of Discovery Systems in Nigeria

Abstract

This study critically analyses the development, applicability, and integration of online public access catalogues (OPACs) and discovery systems. From its beginning as electronic card catalogue substitute to the evolution into more interactive, user-centred systems. The analysis examines how small advancements prepared the way for next-generation tools while highlighting the drawbacks of early OPACs, such as the limited search scope and intricate interfaces. The emergence of discovery systems, which provide wide access to a variety of resources through user-friendly, single-search interfaces, is examined as a reaction to rising user expectations influenced by commercial search engines. Drawing on global scholarship and Nigerian case studies, the study evaluates the uneven adoption of discovery systems across the country. While OPACs are widely implemented, their functionality is often undermined by infrastructural deficits, underfunding and low levels of digital literacy. Discovery platforms remain largely restricted to well-resourced universities. The research uses the Information Search Process (ISP) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to frame these dynamics, demonstrating how adoption is influenced by user search behaviours, perceived usefulness, and ease of use. The results highlight the need for hybrid models in Nigeria, the ongoing value of OPACs, and the complementary function of discovery systems. In order to improve equitable access to knowledge, the study ends with strategic recommendations for stakeholders, library managers, and legislators that place a strong emphasis on infrastructure investment, digital literacy, and sustainable integration.