Nigerian Libraries Research Articles

Infopreneurship and Technopreneurship Readiness for Job Creation Among Nigerian Library and Information Science Graduates

Infopreneurship and Technopreneurship Readiness for Job Creation Among Nigerian Library and Information Science Graduates

Cognate Work Experience, Subject Background and Technical Skills of Cataloguers in Nigerian Libraries

Cognate Work Experience, Subject Background and Technical Skills of Cataloguers in Nigerian Libraries

Visibility of Librarians from the Federal Universities in The National Conferences Of The Nigerian Library Association: 2010 To 2019

Visibility of Librarians from the Federal Universities in The National Conferences Of The Nigerian Library Association: 2010 To 2019

Library and Information Science Professionals’ Awareness, Competencies, Institutional Support, and Application of AI-Powered Tools in Research Writing in South-South, Nigerian Universities

This study investigates Library and Information Science professionals’ awareness, competencies, institutional support, and application of AI-powered tools in research writing in South-South Nigerian universities. Four research questions guide the investigation. The study adopted a mixed (two-step) approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods in a sequential exploration design. A 55-items researcher-developed structured questionnaire titled: Library and Information Science Professionals’ Awareness, Competences, Institutional Support and Application of AI Powered Tools in Research Writing Questionnaire (LISPACIAAIPTRWQ) with a reliability index of .804 determined using Cronbach’ reliability coefficient and semi-structured interview schedule were used for data collection. The questionnaire was designed using Google Doc platform and administered through major Nigerian Library Association (NLA) WhatsApp groups of the six states in South South zone of Nigeria – Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa State, Cross River State, Delta State, Edo State and Rivers State. The interview was conducted through private WhatsApp calls to 20 respondents within the study area. A total of 133 targeted participants from twelve university libraries, one federal and one state university per state were involved in the study. The professional librarians considered in this study were those with at least LS/LIS degree and a year of work experience. This group of participants were purposively considered taking into account that they are professionals and expected to conduct cutting-edge research and publish findings in reputable journals for personal and professional growth. The collected data, analyzed descriptively using frequency counts, mean, and standard deviation were used to answer research questions. The interview responses were qualitatively analyzed using the narrative method in order to deeply understand the respondents’ experiences with AI-powered tools and to also reduce the impact of individual bias. The findings revealed a low awareness level and a relatively high level of competencies of LIS professionals towards AI and its applicability to research writing. It also revealed low institutional support and high application index of AI-powered tools to mostly library services but not research writing by LIS professionals. The study recommended that the university administration should encourage more research on AI and formulate a workable policy to guide its applicability, among others.

LIS Educators’ Perception Towards the Adoption of AI Tools in Nigerian Library Schools

The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education marks a significant shift in how students learn, teachers teach, and educational institutions operate. This research delved into the knowledge and views of Library and Information Science (LIS) educators regarding the use of AI in library schools in Rivers State. The study employed a survey approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. A total of 44 LIS educators from various institutions in Rivers State participated, selected through random sampling, and data were collected using an online survey. The study found that while many LIS educators are aware of AI and have integrated it into their teaching and research, there remains a considerable gap in formal training and professional development in this area. Despite this, there is a clear understanding among educators of the value of AI in library and information science education, in line with broader trends in education and industry. The research also identified positive attitudes towards AI as a tool to enhance education quality and prepare students for careers in librarianship and information science. However, several barriers hinder the integration of AI into curricula and practices, including lecturer attitudes, credibility of information sources, internet connectivity, negative institutional perceptions, and low lecturer competency in AI. To address these challenges, the study recommends that Nigerian library schools fully implement AI technologies like chatbots, barcodes, RFIDs, and robotics to enhance teaching activities. It also suggests that higher education institutions develop specialized training programs and workshops on AI for library schools, covering both basic and advanced concepts. This would enable educators to effectively integrate AI into their teaching and research practices.

Perceived Effects of Professional Networking on Career Growth of Librarians in Kwara State, Nigeria

Professional networking has become an important skill for librarians because of the ever-growing nature of information practice. This makes this study investigates the perceived effects of professional networking on career growth of librarians in Kwara State. Descriptive-survey design was adopted for a population of 183 librarians who registered with the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) Kwara State chapter. Sample size was 80 respondents who were conveniently selected based on their willingness to fill the online questionnaire sent to the chapter’s WhatsApp platform. Response rate for the questionnaire was 73.75%. Data collected were analysed in simple percentages, frequency tables, mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that that majority of the respondents (84.7%) perceived that the strategies of networking for career growth are engaging in skills development/acquisition to meet new people, reading current literature to connect with trending researchers, getting mentors and reviewing books, monographs and journal articles. This study concludes that librarians in Kwara State perceived networking to be an instrument for their career growth and engaged in its different forms for career enhancement.

Librarian’s Perception and Skill Sets for the Use of Metaverse in Universities in Nigerian

The term "metaverse" is generally used to describe the shared virtual environment that is formed as a result of the collision between virtual and physical realities. As the Metaverse continues to evolve, libraries are faced with both new opportunities and challenges, which call for a fresh set of skills from librarians. The study therefore investigates Librarian’s perception and skill sets for the use of metaverse in universities in Nigeria. The population includes all librarians in Nigeria. Data were gathered via an online questionnaire that was distributed to respondents through Nigerian Library Association state chapter WhatsApp groups across Nigeria. 162 online responses were received, only 148 were valid and used for the analysis. Mean scores were used to analyze the data. Results of the analysis show that librarians perceived that metaverse promote virtual tours, improve accessibility for people with disability, promote virtual learning spaces and enhance information retrieval. The skills set librarians possess for the uses of metaverse in libraries were Computer literacy skill, Collaboration skill while, digital marketing skills, technical proficiency skills were not possessed by librarians. Librarians perceived challenges were High Investment cost, Shortage of trained personnel, mental health issues, Privacy and security challenge. The study suggested, among other things, that Librarians should engage in ongoing professional development programs to stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies and librarians should advocate for institutional support and investment in metaverse technologies. Keywords: Librarian, Perception, Skills, Metaverse Technology, Library, Nigeria.

From traditional to tech-savvy: the evolution of Nigerian libraries in the machine learning era

Purpose This study explores the implementation of personalised information access, driven by machine learning, in Nigerian public libraries. The purpose of this paper is to address existing challenges, enhance the user experience and bridge the digital divide by leveraging advanced technologies. Design/methodology/approach This study assesses the current state of Nigerian public libraries, emphasising challenges such as underfunding and lack of technology adoption. It proposes the integration of machine learning to provide personalised recommendations, predictive analytics for collection development and improved information retrieval processes. Findings The findings underscore the transformative potential of machine learning in Nigerian public libraries, offering tailored services, optimising resource allocation and fostering inclusivity. Challenges, including financial constraints and ethical considerations, are acknowledged. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by outlining strategies for responsible implementation and emphasising transparency, user consent and diversity. The research highlights future directions, anticipating advancements in recommendation systems and collaborative efforts for impactful solutions.

Emerging Technology Services Provided by Nigerian Library and Information Science Professionals

Emerging technologies are revolutionizing practically every area of human endeavor. This invention has resulted in a significant shift in the way libraries operate all around the world. Recent library technologies, which varied from library 1.0 to library 5.0, provide evidence of this. It is anticipated that this breakthrough will draw the tech-savvy generation to the library; sadly, in Nigeria, the opposite is evident. Based on this, the study looked at services based on emerging technologies that librarians and information scientists in Nigerian libraries provided. The study's population consisted of 45 attendees from the 2019 IT Section of the Nigerian Library Association Workshop, and it used a survey research design. Out of the 45 copies of the administered questionnaire that were recovered, only 38 were deemed relevant for the investigation. There were two sections to the questionnaire. Section B aimed to gather information on emerging library services offered and obstacles to their implementation, whereas Section A sought to clarify demographic data. The study's conclusions were computed using descriptive statistics. The survey found that practitioners provide a wide range of library services based on developing technology. According to the survey, there is a dearth of services based on emerging technologies, such as cloud computing, gaming, and the Internet of Things. The survey also found that among other difficulties, practitioners deal with erratic electricity and poor internet service provision. It was concluded that practitioners would maximize the use of emerging technologies if sufficient attention was given to the issues impeding their use in the delivery of library services. Recruitment of more personnel and provision of alternative power supplies were among the recommendations made in the study.

Utilization of blockchain technology for effective circulation control in university libraries in South-East, Nigeria

The study examined the utilization of block chain technology for effective circulation control in university libraries in Southeast, Nigeria. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 472 librarians in 10 federal and state-owned universities in South-East, Nigeria. Total enumeration technique was used to study the entire population of librarians in the study area. Online structured questionnaire was used to collect the opinions of the librarians due to the constraint of distributing and accessing the respondents physically as a result of the ASUU strike. WhatsApp Groups of the various state chapters of Nigerian Library Association (NLA) in South-East Nigeria were used as method of sharing the link of the online questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using frequency count, mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed among other things that, there was no extent of utilization of block chain technology among the university libraries studied for record keeping, tracking of transactions of users, reservation of resources, charging and discharging of information resources in university libraries in Southeast, Nigeria as there was a mean score of 1.61 for keeping and tracking records of registered users. However, it was agreed that, utilization of blockchain technology will facilitate effective circulation control in the university libraries. Lack of awareness, technophobia, inadequate skills and competence and inadequate technological facilities are the major challenges associated with the utilization of block chain technology in university libraries. The study recommended among other things that; university management should organize in-house training of librarians in the use of blockchain technology. Also, adequate technological facilities should be acquired and the work environment in the university libraries should be conducive for librarians.

Blended Librarianship as a Fulcrum for Librarians’ Relevance in a Developing Country

The paper examined the emergence and important role of blended librarianship as a fulcrum of relevance for librarians in Nigerian universities. It x-rayed the global trends in blended librarianship vis-à-vis the Nigerian situation. Furthermore, the study considered perceived challenges libraries may be confronted with in deploying relevant ICT infrastructure geared towards transitioning from traditional to hybrid services provision for the successful implementation of blended librarianship. The paper recommended the design and implementation of an appropriate framework for the development of ICTs in Nigerian universities, urgency in the acquisition of new skill sets by academic librarians in Nigeria, while also calling on relevant stakeholders to review the current curricula of Nigerian library schools to reflect current realities in the work place.

Effects of Political and Socio-economic Dynamics on Library Development and Utilization in Nigeria

This paper presents qualitative analyses of case study discussions on the importance of libraries and the effect of political and social-economic dynamics on libraries in Nigeria with particular reference to public, national and academic libraries. It traces historical antecedents of selected libraries with a view of buttressing the point of libraries’ relevance from the ancient times to the modern information society.The article adopted an exploratory research design. Secondary data were obtained using a desk review of existing literature on state of Nigerian public, national and academic libraries. Theoretical framework based on library social responsibility and the role of government in the provision of library and information needs of the people is employed and discussed. They include planning process and critical discourse and informational justice (as part of social justice). Challenges facing libraries in Nigeria are identified to include adverse policies, paucity of funds and general government apathy to library development. As a panacea to the identified challenges confronting most Nigerian libraries, the paper recommends that librarians should continue to play their advocacy roles for their libraries, by continual soliciting for increased percentage of funds through budgetary allocation of both the federal and state governments.Also, good reading habit should be inculcated among pupils and students in order to increase the number of library patronage which would in turn encourage support for library development by the stakeholders.

Practice of Infopreneurship by Librarians in Public University Libraries in South-South Nigeria

Objective – The aim of this study was to examine the practice of infopreneurship by librarians in public university libraries in South-South Nigeria. The study specifically intended to identify purposes of engaging in infopreneurship, methods of running infopreneurship, forms of infopreneurship practiced, benefits derived from practicing infopreneurship, and challenges encountered in practicing infopreneurship by the librarians. Methods – The population of the study comprised all 175 librarians in 13 public university libraries in South-South Nigeria, which were purposively chosen for the study. The study employed convenience sampling to engage 102 librarians in the university libraries, who were involved in one form of infopreneurship or another. The librarians were identified through preliminary investigation, observation, and interaction with the librarians by the researchers. The instrument for data collection was a self-designed online questionnaire titled, “Librarians’ Infopreneurship Practice Questionnaire (LIPQ).” The instrument was validated by two experts in the Department of Library and Information Science in Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Reliability test was not conducted on the instrument, based on the knowledge that a valid test tends to be reliable. The researchers distributed 128 digital copies of the draft of the validated questionnaire to the librarians through personal WhatsApp accounts of the librarians, WhatsApp groups of the various university libraries and WhatsApp groups of the different state chapters of the Nigerian Library Association to which the librarians belonged. Out of the 128 questionnaires administered, 102 were properly completed by the librarians and returned, producing a response rate of 97.69%. The data collected were analyzed using weighted mean and standard deviation. Results – The results from data analysis revealed that the librarians’ purposes of engaging in infopreneurship were to earn extra income, provide for post-retirement, meet unforeseen demands, and develop themselves. The librarians’ methods of running infopreneurship were leveraging, customizing, facilitating access to, and providing instant delivery of information. They used the following forms of infopreneurship: information brokerage, reprographic services, research-aid services, book vending and internet services. Finally, challenges faced by the librarians in practicing infopreneurship were lack of adequate finance, business infrastructure, technical skill, and high rate of presence of non-professional infopreneurs. Conclusion – The findings in this study demonstrate that librarians under study practice infopreneurship primarily for purposes of making money and self-sustenance. They achieve this by leveraging, customizing, facilitating access to and providing quick delivery of information. With these methods, the librarians engage in information brokerage, reprographic services, internet services, research-aid services and book vending. In return, these information professionals enjoy additional income, financial independence, accumulated knowledge, and enhanced sense of fulfillment. However, the practice of infopreneurship by the librarians is hindered by shortage of sufficient funds, technical know-how, business facilities and high rate of presence of unprofessional infopreneurs in the business.

Collaboration in Nigerian University Libraries: A Diagnosis

This paper sought to show the potential of collaboration of university libraries in ameliorating the common problems and challenges facing the Nigerian Academic Library System on the basis of the current status of collaboration in Nigerian university libraries. The paper addressed the following questions: what is the status of collaboration of Nigerian University libraries? How can University Libraries achieve meaningful collaboration? And what possible benefits can University libraries in Nigeria attain from effective collaboration? The paper clarified three forms of collaboration within the University Library system to address the indiscriminate use of the term ‘Librarian collaboration’ to pass for library collaboration. Based on literature reviewed, the current level of collaboration in Nigerian University Libraries is below expectation and is to a great extent responsible for poor quality teaching, learning and research bedeviling the Nigerian tertiary education system. University Library leadership and the Committee of University librarian in Nigerian Universities (CULNU) were identified as prime movers whose efforts could improve the level of collaboration in Nigerian University Libraries. The paper revealed that possible areas for collaboration include: resource sharing, inter-library loan, cooperative acquisition, cooperative cataloguing, cooperative referencing, staff development, library exchange and librarian and library user networks. The paper further noted that the key benefits of collaboration are significant reduction in operational costs, increased human cooperation and exposure of Librarians to global library practices. The paper identified factors that pose as either a threat or a challenge to the implementation of effective collaboration in Nigerian university libraries. They include: Inadequate funding, leadership issues, lack of structured library development policies, proliferation of informal collaboration, high competition in library profession and resistance to change. The paper therefore recommended that committee of University Librarian in Nigerian Universities and the Nigerian Library Association should make and implement a policy for all University Library Leadership to develop and implement documented and structured develop plans and policies p to provide strategic direction for University libraries.

Relationship between rewards system and employee intention to leave: Preliminary survey of librarians in federal university libraries in Nigeria

The study investigates the relationship between rewards system and employee intention to leave among librarians in federal university libraries in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The purposive sampling technique was used to select a population of one hundred librarians in federal university libraries in Nigeria from the WhatsApp group platform of the Academic and Research Library Section (ARLs) of the Nigerian Library Association. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire created with Google Forms. Based on the analysis of the data, the survey result reveals a moderate relationship between rewards system and intentions to leave among the respondents. The implication of the findings is that there is a need to improve the rewards system for federal university employees to raise their job satisfaction and decrease their intentions to leave. These findings provide new data and create awareness useful for enhanced management of libraries and librarians in Nigeria.

Information Professionals of the Future and their Prospects in the Era of Fourth Industrial Revolution: The Need for Transformative Potential in Nigeria

This study examined information professionals of the future and their prospects in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The study employed a mixed method, where quantitative data were analysed using a percentage and frequency table, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Alumni from all Nigerian library schools constituted the target population. The study gathered data through a semi-structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms to several platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook. A total of 150 filled questionnaires were received from participants in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The findings show that participants were fully aware of the emergence of the 4IR. They indicated the impact of the 4IR era on the future job market as driverless cars, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), robot technology, metaverse, blockchain and soft skills. It is evident from the findings that these technologies have changed the landscape of all industries. Nigerian information professionals partially possess some 4IR skills, including active learning and learning strategies, and people management, and have good knowledge of skills required for current and future job markets. Challenges associated with the preparation of future information professionals are lack of motivation for trainers; lack of synergy between training schools and the industry; inadequate funding for training schools; lack of qualified personnel; and poor attitude by students to acquire new skills. The study concludes that poor preparation of future information professionals could result in job losses, economic disparities, unemployment, and underperformance in the workplace. The study recommends that training schools should develop a core curriculum for future information professionals that covers characteristics of the 4IR.

Bibliotherapy in the Wilderness

This study investigated how LIS professionals and health practitioners have adopted bibliotherapy and relevant information services to enhance mental health issues in Nigeria since 1962 to date. The study adopted a narrative research design of qualitative methodology. Semi-structured interviews using audio recordings and personal observations/interactions by the researchers were the instruments for data collection. The researchers collected data from three purposively selected academics whose areas of expertise cut across library and information science and psychiatry. The data collected were presented in a narrative form, with insertion of verbatim transcriptions where nuanced expressions were identified. The findings from the study revealed that bibliotherapy is used by clinical psychologists in neuropsychiatric hospitals in Nigeria; however, LIS professionals do not have the knowledge and adequate skills to practise bibliotherapy. The study recommends that the time is ripe for NLA to pragmatically implement recommendations that the LIS curricula in Nigerian library schools be diversified and expanded to incorporate valuable realms like bibliotherapy.

Ansaru and its Islamic Radicalization in the Lake Chad Basin

This study aimed at exploring the dynamics of Ansaru’s movement as it affected Lake Chad Basin. The study adopted descriptive design that depended on the Judgmental Sampling technique. Secondary sources (books, journal articles, monographs, conference papers, including internet materials) of data collection were sourced form Nigerian libraries and internet. These documentary materials were subjected to content validation before analyzing the study in the qualitative form. Notwithstanding the fact that frustration-aggression theory has deepened the understanding of the Islamic radicalization in the Lake Chad Basin, Ansaru’s insurgency continues unabated. Findings revealed that economic factors, religious ideology and weak institutions triggered the motivation for Ansaru’s Islamic radicalization in the Lake Chad Basin. The religious movement has led to insecurity, human rights abuses, humanitarian and economic crisis. Member states of Lake Chad Basin had adopted hard and soft approaches, while the United States, France, United Kingdom, China and Israel had rendered assistance towards mitigating the extremism though with little success. The study recommends good governance, strong institutions, ideological re-orientation and international cooperation as panacea for the Ansaru’s Islamic radicalization in the Lake Chad Basin.

Setting standards for qualitative and quantitative research prod uctivity of Nigerian academic librarians: Issues, problems and prospects

This paper is an attempt to bring into focus the standards required for research productivity of Nigerian academic librarians in terms of quantitative and qualitative research reporting. The paper started by looking at the definitions of the variables, and relying on literature raised some criteria that could be adopted as standards of research reporting for Nigerian academic librarians. Problems and prospects of setting standards for qualitative and quantitative research productivity were enunciated. The study concluded that predetermined standards can be seen as a starting point when defining reporting requirements for the Nigerian library and information research community; that applying these standards should not be restricted to the writing stage of a particular study, and that Journal editors should assist in the review procedure by providing reviewers with the standards and implementing them, thus laying out more clear expectations for quality and acceptable research reporting.

South Sudanese Crisis and Its Foreign Intervention, 2013-2021

The purpose of this study was to explore the dynamics of South Sudanese crisis from 2013 to 2021. Descriptive research design that anchored on the judgmental sampling technique was adopted. The secondary sources (books, journal articles, conference papers, internet materials and monographs) were sourced from Nigerian libraries and internet, subjected to content analysis, before qualitatively analyzed for the study. Findings revealed that political exclusion, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, corruption and weak institutions triggered grievances that led to December 2013 South Sudanese crisis. The crisis had impacted negatively on security, humanitarian needs, human rights, as well as economy. United Nations Mission in South Sudan, Inter Governmental Authority on Development, African Union Mission in South Sudan, United States, Canada, Uganda, Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia and Eritrea had intervened. Though these findings have deepened the understanding of Group theory, the fear of South Sudanese crisis reoccurring immediately after general election in 2024 is looming. The study the recommends, rotational presidency, devolution of power, mental disarmament and development assistance to avert the incoming crisis.