International Journal of
Library and Information Science

  • Abbreviation: Int. J. Lib. Inf. Sci.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2537
  • DOI: 10.5897/IJLIS
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 246

Review

Re-equipping the Nigerian public library system and services for the 21ist century

Eze Jacintha U.
Librarian 1, Enugu State Library Board, Enugu State, Nigeria. 
Email: [email protected].

  •  Accepted: 16 July 2013
  •  Published: 30 November 2013

Abstract

The paper discussed the re-equipping of public library systems and services in Nigeria thus providing 21st services to clients.  21st century library and information services are characterized by advancement in the use of electronic means in the accessibility, retrieval and dissemination of information. This paper was introduced by a description of the nature and purpose of the public library. The meaning of information age which is a key feature of the 21istcentury and its implications for library services were also discussed. The key features and requirements of automation and computerization of library services and how the public libraries can join their counterparts in advanced countries and other Nigerian academic libraries were looked at. Such features as acquisition and installation of computers, software selection, acquisition and installation requirements. Two surveys carried out in Nigerian public libraries were reviewed as related empirical studies used to show what the picture has been like with regards to automation and adapting to the requirements of the information era. Problems of the Nigerian public libraries in this era and the way forward for the libraries and librarians to join the trend in the new information environment with other advanced countries were discussed. 

Key words: Nigeria, public library, information services, problems, opportunities.