FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, ILARO
DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
PRESENTATION FOR GROUP 2
COURSE CODE: LIS 123
COURSE TITLE: HISTORY OF LIBRARY 2
TOPIC: THE HISTORY OF ACADEMIC LIBRARY IN NIGERIA
LECTURER IN CHARGE: MRS ODUNEWU
LEVEL: ND 1
PRESENTERS
1. N/LIS/23/4994 - IRCHODIA NATHANIEL (GROUP LEADER)
2. N/LIS/23/4999 - OSHO ABDULKAREEM O.
3. N/LIS/23/5025 - BAJELA OLUWADAMILOLA B.
4. N/LIS/23/5019 - ADEOGUN SAMUEL O.
5. N/LIS/23/5029 - EDEKI JOHN D.
6. N/LIS/23/4988 - OJAJUNI DEBORAH I.
7. N/LIS/23/5006 - AZEEZ MAZEED A.
8. N/LIS/23/4981 - SAHEED SHAKIRA
9. N/LIS/23/5001 - ABDULSALAM FATHIA O.
10. N/LIS/23/5016 - ALALADE RACHEAL B.
11. N/LIS/23/5007 - ADEBOYEJO BOLUWATIFE A.
12. N/LIS/23/4987 - ALAO ABDULWARITH O.
13. N/LIS/23/5034 - AMOO AWAWU O.
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THE HISTORY OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA
The history of academic libraries in Nigeria is closely tied to the development of higher
education in the country. Here’s an overview of how academic libraries have evolved in Nigeria:
1. Colonial Era and Early Beginnings (1940s - 1960s)
- University of Ibadan Library: The first significant academic library in Nigeria was established
in 1948 with the founding of the University of Ibadan (then a college of the University of
London). The University of Ibadan Library laid the foundation for academic libraries in Nigeria
and set a standard for others that followed.
- Early Collections: The initial collections in these libraries were primarily British-oriented,
reflecting Nigeria’s colonial status at the time. The emphasis was on the liberal arts and sciences,
mirroring the British educational system.
2. Post-Independence Expansion (1960s - 1980s)
- New Universities: Following Nigeria's independence in 1960, there was a significant
expansion in higher education, leading to the establishment of more universities. Each new
university included the establishment of an academic library, such as those at the University of
Nigeria, Nsukka (1960), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1962), and Obafemi Awolowo
University (formerly University of Ife) in 1962.
- Growth of Collections: During this period, the libraries' collections began to grow rapidly,
both in volume and in scope. They started to reflect a broader range of subjects, including
African studies and research pertinent to Nigeria’s development.
- National Universities Commission (NUC): The NUC, established in 1962, played a crucial
role in coordinating and improving the standards of libraries across Nigerian universities.
3. Challenges and Developments (1980s - 2000s)
- Economic Challenges: The economic downturn in the 1980s severely impacted funding for
academic libraries. This led to challenges in maintaining up-to-date collections, subscription to
journals, and acquiring new books.
- Nigerian Universities Library Consortium (NULIB): In response to these challenges,
academic libraries began to collaborate more closely. The establishment of NULIB aimed at
sharing resources among universities to mitigate the impact of economic constraints.
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- Adoption of Technology: The 1990s and early 2000s saw the gradual adoption of digital
technologies. Many libraries began automating their cataloging systems and providing access to
electronic resources, although the pace was slow due to financial and infrastructural constraints.
4. Modern Era (2000s - Present)
- Digital Libraries: In the 21st century, Nigerian academic libraries have increasingly embraced
digital libraries and electronic resources. Universities have invested in databases, e-books, and
online journals to support research and education.
- Internet and Connectivity: With improved internet access, libraries have expanded their
services to include online catalogs, remote access to resources, and digital repositories. This has
been crucial for supporting the growing research needs in Nigerian universities.
- Collaborative Initiatives: Initiatives such as the Nigeria Research and Education Network
(NREN) and partnerships with international bodies have further enhanced the capacity of
academic libraries to support research and education.
5. Current Trends and Future Directions
- Open Access and Institutional Repositories: There is a growing emphasis on open access to
academic resources. Many Nigerian universities are developing institutional repositories to
provide free access to scholarly works produced within the country.
- Capacity Building: Continuous efforts are being made to build the capacity of library staff
through training and development programs, both locally and internationally.
- Sustainability: Despite progress, academic libraries in Nigeria continue to face challenges
related to funding, infrastructure, and access to the latest information resources. Efforts to
address these issues are ongoing, with a focus on sustainability and self-reliance.
The history of academic libraries in Nigeria reflects the broader challenges and successes of the
country’s higher education system, evolving from modest beginnings to becoming crucial hubs
for knowledge and research in the digital age.
ADVANTAGES OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA
Academic libraries in Nigeria, like those elsewhere, play a crucial role in supporting education,
research, and the intellectual development of students and faculty. Here are some key advantages
of academic libraries in Nigeria:
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1. Access to Educational Resources
- Comprehensive Collections: Academic libraries in Nigeria provide access to a wide range of
books, journals, research papers, and other educational materials that are essential for learning
and research.
- Digital Resources:Many academic libraries offer access to digital resources, including e-
books, online journals, and databases, which are particularly important in overcoming
geographical and financial barriers to accessing information.
2. Support for Research
- Research Assistance: Libraries offer research support services, including guidance on how to
conduct research, use databases, and properly cite sources. This is particularly important for
students and faculty involved in academic research.
- Access to Specialized Databases: Academic libraries provide access to specialized databases
that contain academic papers, theses, dissertations, and other scholarly works, facilitating
advanced research and academic writing.
3. Information Literacy Training
- Skill Development: Libraries often conduct workshops and training sessions on information
literacy, helping students and researchers to develop the skills necessary to locate, evaluate, and
use information effectively.
- Plagiarism Awareness: By teaching proper citation practices and the importance of academic
integrity, libraries help reduce instances of plagiarism among students.
4. Collaborative Learning Spaces
- Study Environments: Academic libraries offer conducive environments for individual study
and group work. These spaces are often equipped with the necessary technology to support
collaborative learning and project development.
- Meeting Points for Scholars: Libraries serve as intellectual hubs where students, faculty, and
researchers can meet, share ideas, and collaborate on academic projects.
5. Preservation of Knowledge and Culture
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- Archival Services: Many academic libraries in Nigeria hold valuable archives of local and
indigenous knowledge, preserving important cultural and historical materials.
- Cultural Heritage: By maintaining collections of local literature, oral histories, and historical
documents, libraries play a crucial role in preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
DISADVANTAGES OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA
While academic libraries in Nigeria offer numerous advantages, they also face several challenges
that can limit their effectiveness. Here are some of the key disadvantages:
1. Inadequate Funding
- Limited Resource: Many academic libraries in Nigeria struggle with insufficient funding,
which affects their ability to acquire new books, journals, and digital resources. This limits the
range and currency of materials available to students and faculty.
- Poor Infrastructure: Inadequate funding often results in poorly maintained facilities, outdated
technology, and insufficient staff, which can hinder the library’s ability to provide quality
services.
2. Outdated Collections
- Lack of Current Materials: Due to budget constraints, many academic libraries cannot
regularly update their collections. This means that students and researchers may have access to
outdated information, which can affect the quality of their work.
- Limited Access to E-Resources: In some cases, libraries cannot afford subscriptions to
current academic journals and databases, limiting access to the latest research and developments
in various fields.
3. Inadequate Technological Infrastructure
- Limited Access to Digital Resources: Some academic libraries in Nigeria lack the
technological infrastructure necessary to support digital resources, such as reliable internet
connections, computers, and software. This can make it difficult for students to access online
databases and e-books.
- Poorly Developed Digital Libraries: The transition to digital libraries has been slow in some
Nigerian institutions, meaning that many students and faculty members do not have easy access
to electronic resources that are common in libraries elsewhere.
4. Understaffing and Lack of Professional Development
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- Insufficient Staffing: Many academic libraries are understaffed, which affects the quality and
range of services they can offer. Librarians may be overworked and unable to provide adequate
support to students and faculty.
- Limited Training: There is often a lack of ongoing professional development for library staff,
meaning they may not be up-to-date with the latest trends in information management, digital
literacy, or new technologies that could enhance library services.
5. Inadequate User Training and Awareness
- Low Information Literacy: Many students and even some faculty members lack adequate
training in using library resources effectively. This can result in underutilization of available
resources or difficulty in conducting research.
- Poor Promotion of Services: In some cases, academic libraries do not effectively promote the
resources and services they offer, leading to low awareness and utilization by the university
community.
