Why Do We Need Libraries in Nigeria?

By Capt. Ogueri Uzoma

When the word library is mentioned, a few questions come to mind. Questions like, what is a library? many know this, I guess. The other question might be, do we even need libraries in this modern age that everything can be gotten on the internet? On this a lot of persons might differ. On my own part, I will equivocally stand by the undeniable fact, that we need and will always need libraries. Libraries are the future of the educational system, therefore a main component in the building of the future of any nation. It constructively helps promote reading culture, keeps records of past and present and helps mentally build a promising future full of innovative and knowledgeable readers and leaders.

In Nigeria, there are libraries but not enough to carter for the necessities of the ever increasing population despite efforts being made by past and present administrations to reduce this deficiency. It is against this backdrop that the provision of libraries in Nigeria and across Africa as projected and will be executed by Ukit Hub will be a welcomed development.

The emergence of digital technology and internet has brought a decline in the patronage of existing libraries. This should not be the case; the internet and digital technologies should be used effectively in the operations of libraries. I will suggest this digital technologies and internet should be incorporated into this conceived library project so as not to make the libraries seem isolated or obsolete, but be in tune with recent developments as this will help overcome the challenges libraries all over the world face due to emergence of new technologies.

Building a library in any city in Nigeria will go a long way in helping residence in and around the location and even ones far from the vicinity to have access to books, and knowledge offered by these collection of books. That not withstanding, there is need to sensitize the residence of what they stand to gain from the libraries, or the jewels they can tap from the availability, and provision of collections of books and conducive environment to read and study which libraries provide, otherwise this library project meant for good will fizzle out as a white elephant project, which, I’m sure, is not the aim of those that conceived it.

It should be located in areas with high density of secondary and tertiary institutions, though this will improve its catchment but will not limit its usage to only students as the case may be. Facilities like rest rooms/conviniences should also be made available for users.

The library is meant to be a hub for reading, studying, gaining and exchange of knowledge, this newly conceived and about to be actualized library project should be a little more than that. In my own opinion. It should be an arena for educational/academic lectures, talks, discussions, debates and sharing of ideas. It can also be a center for online tertiary and post tertiary studies. An addition of digital aids for learning foreign languages will also be a good idea.

Our generation stands to gain from the unlimited opportunities, treasures and talent refining which the libraries stand to provide. Provision of knowledge and information has been the key role of libraries from time immemorial and it is still same in recent times as libraries have remained relevant in guiding and educating all. Therefore we have an obligation to use the libraries and encouraging others to use the libraries. A library is a necessity, and its advantages cannot be over emphasized.

- Capt Ogueri Uzoma (Author’s personal opinion)

Related posts:

Over the past several years I have had the opportunity to have a whole lot of face to face nutrition consultations as well as helping those people with finding a nutritional solution that works for…

Maybe you already heard about this but, in case you haven’t, I’ll fill you in: Scarlet Johansson is suing Disney. How come? Well, it all has to do with the fact that Disney released Black Widow on…