Libraries as Vehicle to Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs): Nigerian’s current status and outlook

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to examine the progress made by Nigerian libraries towards the actualization of sustainable developmental goals (SDGs) and to review possible opportunities for better actualisation. The resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on September 25, 2015, resulted in a 2030 agenda for sustainable development with 17 goals and 169 targets, a transition from the millennium developmental goals, which should stimulate action over the next 15 years. Design/methodology/approach In view of this agenda, sessions at the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) Conference were held in 2015 in Cape Town to focus on the post-2015 development agenda available at http://www.ifla.org/node/9727. Session 103 of the 2015 IFLA Conference was on the contribution and mission of libraries and information services or sustainable development. Findings The Registrar of the Librarian’s Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) during the 6th Induction Ceremony for librarians held on September 13, 2015, stated that the profession will focus on making sustainable developmental goals (SDGs) a reality. In line with this, libraries and librarians in Nigeria have been doing a great deal, especially in the area of creating awareness about the goals by all stakeholders. Originality/value The aim of this paper is to examine the current status of Nigerian libraries toward meeting the SDGs as an example for developing countries and to propose recommendations for meeting these goals.