Subject Metadata Development and Awareness for Digital Resources in University of Uyo Library, Nigeria

The University of Uyo (UNIUYO) Library took a decision to use the Open Source Library Management software - KOHA Cataloguing Modules in 2013 to develop Uniuyo Subject Headings (UUSH). One of the reasons which necessitated the development of the subject catalogue of electronic resources in UNIUYO library is the broad collection base of 12 faculties, 82 department and 108 subject specifications. In addition, there are about 250,000 printed book volumes and 10,000 periodical titles, 6 million e-books and about 2 million e-journals. The UUSH will also help to organize the resources for uniform subject access and for easy accessibility. The study examines subject metadata development and awareness for electronic resources in UNIUYO. The study also set out to investigate how UUSH was developed in UNIUYO, the retrospective conversion of library resources, the application of UUSH and the digitization of some of the resources. Data for this study is based on secondary data, which include reports, library literature, interviews, library resources and observation. The instruments used in the study generated data to provide an insight into the development and use of UUSH database. Findings from the study reveal that librarians in UNIUYO are aware of the importance of subject metadata and the UUSH has been adequately developed. The existing bibliographic records were converted into MARC, and available resources are being digitized. The study also shows that subject access is being provided to electronic resources. The study concludes that the development of subject metadata in the UNIUYO Library has created an awareness of available resources in all the Resource Centres and set a stage for the development of subject metadata for electronic/digital resources in other Nigerian University Libraries. It recommends proper net-working in the multi-campus library system using the UUSH to enable the library prepare for the future in meeting the information needs of the University Community.