Repositioning Nigerian education and healthcare system using quality library and information services

Abstract

This work examined repositioning Nigerian education and healthcare system using quality library and information services. Library and information service (LIS) programme and policies are timeless catalyst of development that play crucial roles in enhancing the educational and healthcare system.. Descriptive survey design was used in the study. The population comprised of 35 librarians in polytechnic libraries in Rivers State. Census sampling technique was adopted to select all the 35 librarians as sample of the study. A 4-point scales structured questionnaire titled “Repositioning education and healthcare through quality library and information services scale” (REHQLISS) was used for data collection. Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the reliability coefficient of the instrument as 0.96. All the 35 copies of the administered questionnaire were successfully retrieved and found valid for the analysis indicating a 100% return rate. It was concluded that LIS is playing important roles in repositioning educational and healthcare, especially in providing access to quality educational materials. Findings of the study revealed that quality library and information services such as library supported open education resources, access to digital transformation, information literacy among others can reposition the education and healthcare system. It was also discovered that the challenges militating against LIS efforts to realize these achievements include poor funding, poor digital transformation in library, lack of training opportunities for staff. The study therefore, recommended that government should improve funding for libraries and rapidly invest in library digital transformation among others.