Library Services and Information Management: The Role of Academic Librarians in the 21st Century Nigeria

Abstract

This column describes the nature of library services and information management’s role in this 21st century and examines the role of academic librarians in Nigeria. The development brought about by technology has drastically improved and facilitated the dissemination of information to users and has mandated librarians to add new roles to their mode of service to move with the trend of time and be relevant to society. The role of academic librarians in this 21st century now involves advocates, pace-setters/image makers, knowledge resources management, information technology development, user services, human resource management, resource sharing, and networking. The column concludes that academic librarians in Nigeria are now compelled to create innovative library services that will make them relevant and fit into the information management roles. Hence the column recommends that librarians need to keep abreast with the trend of the digital era by always acquiring new skills that will enable them to function effectively and efficiently. Library management should make policies and provide opportunities that will enable academic librarians to always acquire new training that will enhance library services to meet with the trends of time. Librarians are to upgrade themselves with the managerial role.