Enabling and disabling bibliographic control in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper presents the state of Bibliographic control (BC) in Nigeria. The article highlights and discusses the significant roles played by bibliographic control in the present information age. National bibliography is a source that attempts to list, as comprehensively as possible, the publications of a particular country during a specific period. These could come out in any kind of intellectual output, regardless of its format. It is important to note that the national bibliography has evolved as each nation has evolved, that the motivation behind its compilation often greatly influences the content and accessibility of the resource. However, the problems encountered in the acquisition and classification of these publications include the inaccessibility of published materials, lack of adequate bibliographic control, lack of adequate good writers, the multiplicity of native languages, inadequate funding, and the underdevelopment of the book industry. Advances in information technologies have vastly increase our capacity to know, achieve and collaborate; these technologies are creating not just new opportunities for national library and bibliographic services in general but challenges as well. Suggestions, which might enhance the acquisition and processing of published materials in Nigeria, are offered. Key word: Enabling, disabling, bibliographic, national bibliography, bibliographic control, Nigeria, bibliographic description.