Automation of Information Services and the Changing Role of Librarians in Nigeria

Oladele Sarah Olabimpe; Ogunbadejo Ayomikun

doi:10.56201/rjmcit.vol.12.no5.2026.pg13.20

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Automation of Information Services and the Changing Role of Librarians in Nigeria

Oladele Sarah Olabimpe and Ogunbadejo Ayomikun

Abstract

Automating information services at libraries has restructured library activities in Nigeria thereby modifying the roles and skills of the librarians. This paper reviews the empirical and practice- oriented studies on library automation in Nigerian academic libraries. It begins with the historical development of library automation. Then, it maps its impact on library core services. Finally, it interrogates constraints like infrastructure, finance, and human capital amid other issues affecting library automation in Nigeria. The literature points to benefits in efficiency, user satisfaction, collection control, and provision of new digital services within towns with high ICT presence; however, the accrued benefits are less consistent and limited because of power cuts, low funding, poor technical infrastructure and shortage of trained staff. With these issues at play, librarians have transitioned from caretakers of brick and mortar collections to digital curators, information specialists, technology trainers and knowledge managers. According to this piece, the ongoing automation of libraries in Nigeria will not just be about the hardware and software that will be adopted, but also the conscious investment in the staff capacity as well as the policies and consortia that will be evolved. The recommendations made at the end for continuous professional development, infrastructure improvement, and inter-institutional collaboration indicate that librarians are key players in the evolving information landscape of Nigeria.

Keywords

Library automationInformation servicesLibrariansAcademic librariesDigital librarianship

References

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Automation of Information Services and the Changing Role of Librarians in Nigeria

Abstract

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