The role of rural libraries in the attainment of rural development programmes in Nigeria

Abstract

The paper examines the role that rural libraries could play in the attainment of rural development with a view to accelerate growth in all areas of human endeavors in rural areas of Nigeria. The study took cognizance of inherent problems that undermine the establishment of rural libraries such as funding, illiteracy, clientele problem and inadequate manpower requirement. The paper concludes by proposing some pragmatic reforms that could hasten rural development in Nigeria. Essentially, it was noted that it would be an oversight to ignore professional librarians in the formulation and implementation of policies that have direct bearing on rural development in Nigeria. By their training, professional librarians have access to important information that could assist rural dwellers and government in rural development issues.

University of Dar es Salaam Library Journal Vol. 7(1) 2005: 71-79