Library and information services for the attainment of sustainable development goals in Osun State: an empirical investigation

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate library and information services for the attainment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the aid of four (4) research objectives. Survey type of descriptive research design was adopted for the study with a population of 27 heads of libraries registered with the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Osun State Chapter. Total enumeration was used as the sampling technique and open-ended questionnaire was used to elicit responses from the respondents. Out of the 27 copies of questionnaire distributed, 27 were retrieved and found usable for analysis, giving 100% response rate. The questionnaire was analysed using thematic analysis based on grounded theory. The results found out that there is a low level of familiarity of SDGs among head librarians in Osun State. Services like selective dissemination of information and information provision contribute more to SDGs. New library roles like advocacy programmes and community engagement will help libraries contribute more to the agenda. Moreover, it was discovered that poor funding and inadequacy of library facilities will among other things challenge library’s contribution to the actualization of SDGs. The researchers concluded by asserting that libraries and librarians must strengthen conventional practices that will contribute to the global agenda, and adopt new services to make more impact on humanity.

Keywords: Library and information services, sustainable development goals, Osun State, Nigeria