Application of Contemporary Descriptive Cataloguing Standards among Cataloguers in University Libraries in South-East Nigeria: Evidence for Effective Technical Services.

Abstract

This study examined the application of contemporary descriptive cataloguing standards among
cataloguers in university libraries in South-East Nigeria and explored the implications for effective
technical services. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted using a census of
professional cataloguers from ten federal and state university libraries. Data were collected using the
Knowledge and Application of Cataloguing Rules Employed by Cataloguers Questionnaire
(KACRECQ) and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicate that
cataloguers demonstrate strong application of conventional descriptive cataloguing procedures,
particularly in bibliographic description, AACR2 implementation, and Library of Congress standards.
However, comparatively moderate application was observed in Resource Description and Access
(RDA), MARC21 encoding, authority control, metadata interoperability, and integrated library system
functionalities. The study argues that successful implementation of contemporary descriptive
cataloguing standards depends upon sustained professional development, institutional investment, and
technological readiness. It concludes that strengthening practical application of international
cataloguing standards is essential for improving metadata quality, enhancing interoperability, and
positioning Nigerian university libraries within the evolving global bibliographic environment.