Public Libraries in Nigeria: Decades of Persisting Problems

Abstract

The growth of public libraries in Nigeria has been long and problem ridden. This paper identifies and discusses low patronage, almost total absence of current materials, lack of adequate numbers of trained personnel and above all inadequate funding as the major problems hindering the development of public libraries in Nigeria. It offers some radical and practical suggestions on how to ameliorate the situation, including the repackaging of information materials and the involvement of wealthy individuals and multinational organizations in the funding of public libraries.