Engaging the Government in Library Services for Sustainable National Development: The Case of Public Library and Information Systems in Nigeria
- September 23, 2020
- Posted by: RSIS Team
- Categories: Education, IJRISS
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue IX, September 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186
James Mngutyô1, Angbande, Dennis P2, Joseph Ahemba Gbuushi3
1Department of Library and Information Science, Benue State University, Makurdi
2&3University Library and Information Services, Benue State University, Makurdi
Abstract: Government involvement in Public library and information systems services has been observed to be minimal in Nigeria. Consequently, sustainable national development appears to have been adversely affected. For this, the paper examines the concepts of sustainable national development, library services, and takes a look at library services for sustainable national development and the ways to engage government in library services for sustainable national development and conclude that indeed government has not really been involved in library services soon after their take off. Because of this the required utilitarian information for sustainable development is continuously lacking. Some ways to engage government in public library services have been identified such as using library services to propagate government programmes, organizing public lectures on library’s role in governance, organizing workshop for government officials among others and the time to do it is now than ever before in the face of depleting resources.
Key words: Sustainable National Development, library services, government, engaging.
I. INTRODUCTION
Sustainable national development is a collective effort of all stakeholders such as institutions, organizations, individuals and the government. It is a serious business that should not to be left alone in the hands of only a few. Unfortunately this has been the case in Nigeria where only some institutions, organizations and individuals are involved while the government does not show any demonstrable interest. This is in spite of the existing supportive structures it has in this regard such as government established public libraries and information systems at national, state and ministry/parastatals levels. Mngutyô (2011) asserts that public library and information systems establishment anywhere is for developmental purpose in society.
