PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND THE ATTAINMENT OF MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The millennium development goals (MDGs) are series of eight international goals that set targets aimed at addressing major problems facing humanity in Nigeria in particular. It is a fantastic blueprint for national growth and an excellent roadmap for national development for Nigeria and Nigerians. The
planning and effective implementation of this roadmap depends on these critical resources – information and funding. The public library is a custodian of information for all, the people’s university at the urban and grassroot levels, and has the expertise to deliver results. This paper outlined the contents of the goals, took a critical look at the contents of the goals vis-à-vis the mandate of public libraries as contained in its manifesto, and highlighted ways that public library can play active role in attaining the millennium development goals, as well as the challenges. With less than one thousand days to the winding down of the millennium development goals, this paper calls for the creation, development, integration and enhanced funding of public libraries as a panacea to the attainment of millennium development goals for overall national development in Nigeria.