Information resource explosion and low acquisition in academic libraries in Nigeria: Issues and strategies for intervention

Abstract

The paper essentially discusses issues and strategies of combating the problems of information explosion which have launched the world into an information age that could be labelled tsunami vis-à-vis low acquisition of library resources in Nigerian academic libraries. Information is seriously exploding at a geometric progression thus, academic libraries in Nigeria find it difficult to cope with the exponential rate at which information is generated and produced in terms of acquisition. However,  efficient and effective library service delivery can only be guaranteed by meeting  information needs of library users. The paper is an opinion paper that highlights  issues and strategies required by Nigerian libraries to face the challenge of low acquisition of information materials in the face of information resources explosion. The paper pinpoints inadequate accommodation, copyright infringement, fraud and corruption, inadequate funding, infusion of Information and communication  technology, poor bibliographic control, high cost of information resources and other identified problems as the bane of low acquisition of information materials in most Nigerian  academic libraries. It is recommended among others that, federal, state, corporate and private owners of higher institutions and research centres in Nigeria should increase funding of academic libraries so as to beef up their information materials to meet the information needs of the members of the parent institutions. Philanthropists, government and non-governmental organisations  should  complement the efforts of both federal and state governments in stocking academic libraries with recent and relevant  information materials. Also, academic libraries should collaborate through a consortium to subscribe to electronic information  materials. Alternative power sources should also be explored. A current and comprehensive national bibliography would be a priceless acquisition tool for  librarians and the issue of corruption, embezzlement and library security should be addressed appropriately.

Keywords: Information resources, information explosion, information tsunami, low acquisition, Nigerian academic libraries.