ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN THE PROVISION OF RURAL LIBRARY SERVICES IN THE 21ST CENTURY

THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE

  • Clement C. Okeji Faculty of Law, Anambra State University, Igbariam Campus
  • Gabriel Bosah National Institute for Oil-Palm Research Library Benin City

Abstract

The specific purpose of any library is to obtain, preserve and make available the recorded knowledge of man. In performing these functions, the library promotes the spread of knowledge, education and culture to all categories of the population. In Nigeria, most library services to the rural populace are provided by various states’ government library boards. However, in spite of the efforts towards achieving this, some studies indicate that inadequate funding of library boards and misconception of the importance of rural services, inter alia, are the issues that hinder rural library spread. The paper examines past efforts at meeting the rural library services, identify the existing challenges and recommends strategies for interventions such as resuscitating book-mobile services and spread of community-based information services. It also recommends linkages and collaborations with multinational corporations by the library boards as an option for generating extra funds to augment their statutory subventions. This paper therefore, concludes by stating that Nigeria could emulate the United States of America by way of use of indigenous literature that instill national consciousness and patriotism, through the medium of rural libraries and community-based information services.

Published
2019-01-08