Abstract

Nigeria has envisioned that by the year 2020 the country will become one of the 20 top economies of the world. This goal was buttressed in a government policy termed vision 20-20-20. These researchers examined the complimentary role libraries and librarians in Nigerian universities could play in the realization of that vision. They sampled the opinions of librarians in universities in Enugu state to synthesize their opinions concerning the roles they play in knowledge management. The researchers found that vision 20-20-20 can be realized through the collaborative roles of academia and manpower trainers for whom libraries and librarians are invaluable assets; therefore their roles cannot be over looked. The findings showed that the realization of vision 20-20-20 is knowledge driven, and librarians are active players in identifying maintaining and making available knowledge assets. Since only a reputable and reliable knowledge base can bring about efficient manpower production and capacity building for economic management and governance, librarians and knowledge workers roles are vital. They help to leverage knowledge assets through the provision of world class information, manpower training, and capacity building, all of which can impact on Nigeria’s vision 20-20-20. The paper calls for advocacy that would help put the role of librarians in perspective to the appropriate authority. This advocacy role will bring librarians into full focus and optimize the utilization of their skills and abilities. 

Key words: Academic libraries, librarians, knowledge management, realization, vision 20:20:20