Librarians seek more funding for libraries

The Academic and Research Libraries Section (ARLS) has called for increased funding of educational libraries to improve work efficiency and enhance productivity in higher institutions. ARLS Chairman, Dr Ifeanyi Ezema made the call at the 7th annual conference of the association held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Enugu State. Dr Ezema said it has […]

The Academic and Research Libraries Section (ARLS) has called for increased funding of educational libraries to improve work efficiency and enhance productivity in higher institutions.

ARLS Chairman, Dr Ifeanyi Ezema made the call at the 7th annual conference of the association held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Enugu State.

Dr Ezema said it has become imperative in view of the obvious realities and challenges the sector is facing in moulding future Leaders and greater Nigerians.

“Funding of academic libraries in the pre-COVID-19 global pandemic had been very precarious and has now been complicated with the current economic downturn.

“The digital environment has succeeded in shrinking the world into a global village and breaking the barriers of space and time. The new technology will be highly impactful in handling the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic as the new normal does not support large crowds.

“This however, requires serious commitments from the government, heads of higher institutions and heads of academic and research libraries. The days of paying lip service to funding of libraries must come to an end,” he noted.

Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof.  Charles Igwe who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Prof. Johnson Urama, stressed that the role of the library on academic institutions cannot be ignored.