Challenges Of Academic Libraries In The 21st Century: Experience Of Nigeria Libraries

Challenges Of Academic Libraries In The 21st Century: Experience Of Nigeria Libraries

Chapiter 1

Introduction

1.1 The study’s context

The library industry has undergone tremendous upheaval recently. Information and communication technology have caused this transition, which has an effect on how information services are delivered. Electronic forms of communication have replaced conventional techniques of information delivery. While ICT advancements and applications have improved and easier access to information and its distribution, they have also created new roles in information provision, dissemination, and transfer. The librarian now adopts an active role rather than playing a passive one. He is now the entrance to a wide range of information sources rather than just a keeper of books. Throughout the last few decades, libraries’ sole purpose has been to provide books; but, as the digital age has progressed, so have their offerings to suit the shifting demands of their users.

The information millennium is the twenty-first century. Additionally, it is considered to be the era of a boom in information sources and output. It is regarded as the start of the knowledge era. Academic libraries are still a part of this technological revolution in Nigeria. They are continuously under pressure as information providers to give their immediate communities access to pertinent sources of information. Technology both facilitates and enforces change. Therefore, whether it is an initial deployment or a migration, librarians, staff, and users must make a number of adjustments as a result of library automation projects.This implies that in order to maintain their leadership in the provision and distribution of knowledge, academic libraries must include digital sources. Nowadays, electronic information is preferred over manually operated devices by both students and academics. Students are using laptops and smartphones to find alternate ways to study and conduct research as a result of the greater accessibility of digital material. Libraries in underdeveloped nations are now less important and used as a result of digital technologies.

In terms of patronage, the use of PCs like laptops, palmtops, and even phones to access material online is proving to be harmful to academic libraries. Instead of relying on the academic library as a crucial component of their study and research, users are starting to view it as one of the amenities every institution or college ought to have. Libraries must, therefore, make an effort to keep their customers and stay at the top of their game when it comes to offering information sources that meet the needs of today’s information seekers. The academic library must consequently continue to lead the way in information creation, provision, and dissemination. Given this context, the research’s objectives are to examine the difficulties faced by academic libraries in the twenty-first century using Nigerian libraries and to offer practical advice to library professionals about how to enhance library services.

1.2 A description of the issue

The development of ICT has altered the function of the academic library in the twenty-first century. Information cannot be stored effectively in print mediums anymore. Today’s standard practices include CD-ROM databases, electronic document delivery, automated cataloging, circulation systems, and online information retrieval (OPAC). By the end of the 20th century, most scholars acknowledge that the development of the internet, digitization, and the capacity to access library and study materials from distant locations had also led to significant changes.

Academic libraries in Nigeria are gradually adapting in the twenty-first century to meet the information needs of its users. Due to the circumstances, digital libraries have been created to complement traditional ones. This is demonstrated by efforts to digitize library materials to meet the information demands of new generation users, or the library users of the twenty-first century who have great skill in exploiting new sources and new technology. But in order to keep up with this rapidly evolving field, librarians have had to overcome several obstacles, including a lack of time to utilize social media, a lack of privacy and identity theft, a lack of technological literacy, slow internet, and inadequate financing for technology. Thus, this study’s goal is to investigate the difficulties facing academic libraries in the 21st century via the lens of Nigerian libraries.

1.3 Purpose of the investigation

The difficulties facing academic libraries in the twenty-first century are the main topic of this study. Nigerian libraries’ experience. The research specifically intends to:

1. To determine whether academic libraries’ functions are evolving in the new millennium.

2. To look into new trends in information distribution that librarians in the twenty-first century can use to reposition the academic library for efficient service supply.

3. To identify potential issues that could prevent the effective delivery of services in the new millennium.

4. To provide ideas for improving efficient service delivery in the next millennium.

1.4 Research Prompts

The following research question serves as a guide for the investigation:

1. Has the function of academic libraries changed in the new millennium?

2. What new developments in information distribution can librarians of the twenty-first century use to reorient the academic library for efficient service provision?

3. What potential issues could prevent the effective delivery of services in the new millennium?

4. What will it take to improve successful service delivery in the next millennium?

1.5. Relevance of the research

Academic institutions, administrators, library committees, librarians, users, and researchers will all find the study to be useful. The results will specifically be useful to the administration of academic institutions in the field of policy formation by offering a roadmap for addressing the issues that obstruct the efficient provision of library services.

The study’s conclusions will also help them identify their shortcomings, which will enable them to provide better services that will draw in more patrons and keep them coming back. By making users aware of the numerous services the library offers, the findings will also be helpful to them. The recommendations from this study will lead to an improvement in the services provided to users. The study will add to our understanding of library services as well as our understanding of the issues facing academic libraries in the new millennium and how their roles are changing. It will also be used as a resource for other researchers who want to conduct study in a relevant area.

1.6 Study’s range of inquiry

This study’s focus is on the difficulties faced by academic libraries in the twenty-first century as seen through the eyes of Nigerian libraries. However, the study is only conducted in a few libraries in AkwaIbom State.

1.7.1 Study Limitations

The study must adhere to the restrictions listed below:

Financial restraint: A researcher’s ability to gather data (through the internet, a questionnaire, and interviews) and locate relevant materials, literature, or information is often hindered by a lack of funding.

Time restraint: The researcher will do this investigation together with other academic activities at the same time. As a result, less time will be spent on the research project.

1.8 Terms explained

A library is a collection of items, such as books or video, that is available for use as opposed to only being shown. In order to consistently meet the needs of the user, it must contain updated information.

The twenty-first century is known as the “information millennium.” It is also seen as the age of a boom in information sources and output. It is regarded as the start of the knowledge age.