Libraries Driving Access to Knowledge

Abstract

This paper discusses the role libraries play in driving access to knowledge in various sectors of society. As service organizations, Libraries have long been crowned as knowledge institutions where individuals, organizations, and societies are provided unhindered access to knowledge. The paper indicates that libraries have the infrastructure (within its environmental context) to acquire, process and make information (books/journals) available. This infrastructure includes relationships with other institutions that assist in the information acquisition process and provision of knowledge in education, business and other sectors of the society. However, in performing these roles, the library faces some challenges. The paper further goes on to suggest ways by which libraries can continue to drive access or indeed improve access to knowledge by repositioning themselves to take advantage of emerging technologies, networking, as well as mobilizing their skills and expertise to continue to sustain the confidence of their users.

Keywords: Libraries, Access to Knowledge, Access to Information, Knowledge Society