EFFECTIVE GRASSROOT ADVOCACY FOR LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES IN DEVELOPING COMMUNITIES

Abstract

I am most delighted and humbled by your request for me to present a paper on effective library advocacy in the state. Distinguished chartered librarians of the Great Anambra State of Nigeria; I share with you the interest in this topic and welcome the opportunity to discuss some ideas on the best way forward. In doing so, I will consider the information role of libraries and librarians with a view to explain why they are the pillars of society. I will provide pertinent answer to the bugging question of the internet taking the job of librarians. Finally, I will discuss ten useful tips on how we can improve
library advocacy in our community. Dike (2005) observed the role played by NLA, our professional association in mobilizing grassroot support for school libraries in the 1960s, suggesting the situation has changed today such that there should be a change of strategy. So if you are committed, join the mindset in this discussion. To start with: How do librarians make grassroot advocacy for Library and Information centres contagious in their communities?