Title: Usability and Challenges of pfSense Deployed for Management of Library Networks, Servers and Users in Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil
Author(s): Ibrahim WADA, Abdullahi Muhammad Dawakinkudu, SAKA, Katamba Abubakar
Publication Year: 2021; Volume 16, Issue 3, pages 71-90

This paper examined the usability and challenges of the pfSense application in managing library networks, servers, and users in Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil. An exploratory survey research design was employed for the study. The population of the study was composed of 36 professional librarians. The sample size for the study was eight head of library units. A purposive sampling technique was employed in selecting the sample respondents. Data were collected through focus group discussion and thematic descriptive analysis was the technique used for analyzing the data. The findings revealed that learnability and efficiency were the best usability feature of the pfSense routing and firewall application. It was also revealed that asymmetrical training and epileptic electric power supply was the major usability problem, important to be fixed with higher priority while poor ICT knowledge and skills were the minor usability problem, whereby fixing it should be given low priority. It is recommended that alternative sources of electric energy supply should be given more priority and regular ICT training for librarians should not be undermined by the University management.