The role of public library services in societal empowerment

Abstract

The paper examines the vital contribution of public libraries to the socio-economic and cultural empowerment of the Nigerian people. The paper argues that the three tiers of government, as well as non-governmental organizations and agencies in Nigeria, have not being carrying libraries along, as they should in their efforts at empowering the masses. This could be because they seem not to believe that libraries have vital roles to play in influencing the standard of living of the societies they serve, by way of adequate provision of information. This paper therefore highlights and discuses some agents of poverty; It also examines some poverty eradication measures already taken by governments at all levels; Public library services that encourage and enhance socio-economic and cultural activities are also enumerated and discussed. The paper makes recommendations that could facilitate the provision of professional services by public libraries for the empowerment of the Nigerian masses.

Keywords: Role, public, library, services, society, and empowerment

> IFI PsychologIA Vol. 27 2006: pp. 152-172