Enhancing core competencies of entrepreneurial librarians in post-Covid-19 Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the core competencies needed by entrepreneurial librarians in post COVID-19 era in mitigating the impact of the global health pandemic on libraries. The study explored new digital skills that can enhance service delivery by librarians as well as technologies such as 3D printing, cloud printing, storage of large dataset, virtual reality,
code club, delivery of digital content and provision of kinetic bikes as emerging library services. The Theory of Social Change was used as framework for analysis while exploratory research design was adopted using case study approach to draw lessons from five (5) libraries in (3) three different countries on service delivery. Data collection was mainly through secondary sources, particularly from books, journal articles, electronic newsletters and websites of the libraries that were surveyed. Content analysis was used to interpret the secondary data which were tabulated to explain how entrepreneurial librarians deployed new services in response to COVID-19 pandemic. The study found out that libraries who deployed digital technologies and trained their staff in service delivery effectively respond to the global pandemic. Recommendations were made on how Nigerian libraries can expand their services, especially in relation to staff training and introduction of new technologies in library services.