Transition and transformation of libraries from manual to digital: The case of Nigeria

Abstract

Transition and transformation of libraries from Manual to digital are aspect of fourth industrial revolution world-wide. The industrial  revolution and library practices and services are more or less the migration from Manual to the 21st century library practices and service  provision with special reference to Nigeria. Libraries in Nigeria exist on the basis of types and ownership i.e public, national, academic, special and school libraries as well as the digital library. The paper highlighted the issues of transformation from Manual to digital form of information service delivery through the use of computers and other Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities. Efforts made to transform Manual library practices to digital form include: digitization, retrospective conversion, use of online public access  catalogue, establishment of institutional digital repository, electronic method of securing library collections and online reference services. Strategies for full transition and transformation of Manual to digital librarianship include: timely review of curriculum of library schools to cater for the reality of the 21st century and globalization; continuing professional development of librarians to withstand the complexities and challenges to modern library practices and services and evaluation of ICT policy implementation by the regulatory bodies. Challenges posed for Nigerian libraries and ICT cente rs include: inadequate and irregular funding; improper monitoring and evaluation of ICT policy implementation by policy planners; irregular and efficient electricity power supply, low ICT skills of library staff thus serve as obstacle to productivity or output. The conclusion was that despite these efforts, majority of libraries in Nigeria still provide traditional mode of services. The paper recommended that the management of institutions and organizations (whether government or private) should commit adequate funds for the procurement of ICT facilities, provide alternative power supply, organize timely training programme;  formulate, develop and monitor the extent of implementation of ICT policies in various libraries and information technology centres.