THE CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF USING LIBRARY SERVICES IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Abstract

Conflict is an inevitable part of human existence. People perceive conflict differently. For instance, Okoh (2005) perceived conflict as contradictions arising from differences in the interests, ideologies, orientations and precipitous tendencies of the people concerned. Oyeshola (2005), perceived it as disagreement, dispute or controversy in ideas, or viewpoints held by two or more individuals/groups. Pruitt and Rubin as cited by Oyeshola (2005), defined conflict as a ‘perceived divergence of interest or beliefs that the parties’ current aspirations cannot be achieved simultaneously’. Conflict arises from the pursuit of divergent and contradictory interest, and/or groups in defined social and physical environments. These contradictions are inherent at all levels of social and economic interactions of the human race. It may exist at the individual, group, regional, national and international levels (Adeniji, 2003 and Okoh,
2005). Conflicts may have negative or positive effects. Burton (1987:138), noted that some people extol conflict as ‘an essential creative element in human relations, the means to change and the means by which some social values of welfare, security, justice and opportunities for personal development can be achieved. A conflict is a dynamic phenomenon, which consists of five stages viz: initiation, escalation, controlled maintenance, abatement and termination/ resolution (Sandole, 1993).