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BIBLIOGRAPHIC SURVEY ON TYPES OF LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Libraries are crucial institutions in the educational and cultural development of any society. In Nigeria, libraries come in various types, each serving distinct functions and communities. Understanding these types provides insight into how they contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and information in the country. This bibliographic survey explores the different types of libraries in Nigeria, focusing on public, academic, special, and school libraries.

Public libraries in Nigeria are established to serve the general population. According to Aina (2018), public libraries aim to promote literacy and provide access to information for all community members (Aina, 2018). These libraries are typically funded by government sources and are designed to be accessible to everyone regardless of their educational or economic status. Public libraries offer a range of services including lending books, providing internet access, and organizing community events (Adeyemi, 2020). They play a vital role in bridging the information gap and supporting lifelong learning (Omole, 2021).

Academic libraries, on the other hand, are situated within higher education institutions and serve students, faculty, and researchers. These libraries support academic and research activities by providing access to scholarly resources such as journals, books, and databases (Olalekan & Dada, 2019). According to Udo & Onuoha (2022), academic libraries in Nigeria face challenges such as limited funding and inadequate infrastructure, which impact their ability to meet the growing demands of their users (Udo & Onuoha, 2022). Despite these challenges, academic libraries remain essential for academic success and research development in Nigerian universities.

Special libraries cater to specific user groups or subjects. These libraries are often found in institutions like hospitals, law firms, and corporations, providing specialized information relevant to their fields (Adebayo, 2020). For example, the Nigerian Law Library focuses on legal resources and services for legal practitioners and researchers (Oluwadare, 2021). Special libraries enhance the efficiency of organizations by providing targeted information that supports decision-making and professional development (Ogunyemi, 2021).

School libraries are integral to the educational environment in primary and secondary schools. They support the curriculum by offering resources that enhance teaching and learning (Nwokedi & Okonkwo, 2019). School libraries in Nigeria face issues such as inadequate funding and outdated collections, which hinder their effectiveness (Ojo & Adeyemo, 2020). Nonetheless, they are crucial for fostering a love of reading and supporting academic achievement among students (Ajayi, 2022).

In summary, each type of library in Nigeria serves a unique purpose and faces distinct challenges. Public libraries aim to promote general literacy and community engagement, academic libraries support higher education and research, special libraries provide specialized information, and school libraries contribute to the educational development of students. Understanding these types and their roles can inform policies and practices aimed at improving library services and infrastructure in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the critical role that libraries play in Nigerian society, they face numerous challenges that hinder their effectiveness. Public libraries struggle with insufficient funding and outdated resources, which limit their ability to serve the community adequately. Academic libraries encounter difficulties such as inadequate infrastructure and limited access to digital resources, affecting their support for academic and research activities. Special libraries, although crucial for specialized information, often face issues related to resource acquisition and technological advancements. School libraries, essential for supporting educational development, are frequently underfunded and lack current materials. Addressing these challenges is essential for enhancing the performance and impact of libraries across Nigeria.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the current state of different types of libraries in Nigeria and identify the challenges they face. Specific objectives include:

i. To evaluate the impact of funding on the effectiveness of public and academic libraries in Nigeria.

ii. To determine the extent to which infrastructure affects the performance of special libraries.

iii. To find out how the availability of current resources influences the operational efficiency of school libraries.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the impact of funding on the effectiveness of public and academic libraries in Nigeria?

ii. What is the extent to which infrastructure affects the performance of special libraries in Nigeria?

iii. How does the availability of current resources influence the operational efficiency of school libraries?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Hypothesis I
H0: There is no significant impact of funding on the effectiveness of public and academic libraries in Nigeria.
H1: There is a significant impact of funding on the effectiveness of public and academic libraries in Nigeria.

Hypothesis II
H0: There is no significant effect of infrastructure on the performance of special libraries in Nigeria.
H2: There is a significant effect of infrastructure on the performance of special libraries in Nigeria.

Hypothesis III
H0: There is no significant influence of the availability of current resources on the operational efficiency of school libraries.
H3: There is a significant influence of the availability of current resources on the operational efficiency of school libraries.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it provides insights into the challenges faced by different types of libraries in Nigeria. By evaluating the impact of funding, infrastructure, and resource availability, the study will offer valuable information for policymakers, library administrators, and stakeholders. The findings will help in formulating strategies to address the identified challenges, thereby improving the effectiveness and efficiency of libraries in Nigeria. Additionally, this study will contribute to the academic literature on library management and policy development in the Nigerian context.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the four main types of libraries in Nigeria: public, academic, special, and school libraries. It covers various aspects such as funding, infrastructure, and resource availability. The research will be limited to libraries located within Nigeria, with data collected from selected libraries across different regions. The study will not extend to libraries outside Nigeria or to other types of information institutions.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The study may be limited by several factors, including the availability of up-to-date data and access to certain libraries. Limited funding and logistical challenges may also affect the scope of data collection and analysis. Additionally, variations in library management practices and resources across different regions may impact the generalizability of the findings. Despite these limitations, the study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of libraries in Nigeria.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Public Libraries: Libraries that are open to the general public and funded by government sources, providing a wide range of services and resources.

Academic Libraries: Libraries located within higher education institutions that support academic and research activities through specialized resources and services.

Special Libraries: Libraries that cater to specific user groups or subjects, such as legal or medical libraries, providing specialized information.

School Libraries: Libraries situated in primary and secondary schools that support the educational curriculum and foster a love of reading among students.

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