Instructional and Research Resources for Library Education in Nigeria: Problems of Availability and Accessibility

Abstract

Describes the support facilities of six Nigerian library schools. The survey includes attention to professional libraries, computers, audiovisual materials, microforms, library science laboratories, and demonstration rooms. Most of the schools have significant gaps in their resource provision. None has its own microcomputer in operatio yet, although the University of Ibadan has acquired one recently. Ibadan also has a separate professional library, the only program with one. Instructional laboratories are found in Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Maiduguri. It is suggested that in addition to improving the situation regarding facilities, the library schools need to establish a journal dedicated to library education, and to promote a local publishing effort to produce textbooks and professional literature. These problems are seen as interconnected; for without adequate resources for teaching and research, library educators cannot be effective publishing scholars. Recommendations are made for specific aproaches to better funding and research grants, improved bibliographical control of library literature, and better communication between library school directors and chief executives of universities.