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Successful implementation of an automation project depends not only on proper execution by the library or information centre involved, but also on the commitment and on‐going support from the vendor or agent of the automated library system. This factor is often overlooked whenever there are discussions on the low level of application of information technology in developing countries. It is often wrongly assumed that the services and products of the library system vendors are available to library and information centres in this region. To this end, a survey was undertaken of the current status of marketing activities in Nigeria, of library system vendors, their attitude and commitment to the Nigerian market, their prerequisites for marketing in Nigeria, and projections of their marketing activities for the future; so that decisions could be made on the likely directions of library automation investments and developments in Nigeria. The work was carried out in 1988 when the author was a United Nations University Fellow at Trinity College Dublin.

The purpose of the article is to investigate readiness of academic librarians toward the use of robotic technologies in Nigerian university libraries. The article provides further insights on the following areas: •What are the levels of readiness of university libraries in Nigeria towards robotic technologies in terms of digital infrastructure, policy framework and human development for the adoption and use of robotics in the libraries? •What services are available in the university libraries that can be handled by robotic technologies? •Are academic librarians aware of the potential benefits of robotics in library operations? •What are the potential challenges that university libraries may face in the adoption and use of robotic technologies?

The study is a survey research anchored on positivism paradigm. The questionnaire was used as data collection instrument. Furthermore, 100 academic librarians were selected from the ten purposively selected ten universities. Snowballing sample technique was used to select ten academic librarians from each of the university libraries.

The findings of the study revealed that the readiness of university libraries in Nigeria towards the adoption and use of robotic technologies in Nigeria is nothing to write home about. It indicates that university libraries in the country are not ready to adopt the use of this technology despite the high benefits they have to offer in library operations.

The limitations of the study lay on the fact that very few librarians from each of the selected university libraries were selected; and at the same time, it covers only ten university libraries in the country.

The study is very important to university library management on the necessary steps that need to be taken for the effective adoption of robotic technologies. This research can be a guide to them. In addition, the empirical analysis of the study contributes to social informatics development in Nigeria.