Issues and Trends in the Provision of Public Library Services in Nigeria: A Literature Survey
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Date
2014-06
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Balkan Libraries Union
Abstract
The philosophy, orientation and nature of public library are routed in the responsibility of
disseminating diverse and current information services to the members of its community. Waller
and Mcshare (2008) posit two major challenges in the provision and use of public library
services which are; lack of obtaining a thorough understanding of the nature of the environment
which bothers majorly on information provision and use; and the development of policy
frameworks that clarifies institutions goals and brings coherence to diverse and sometimes
conflicting policy demands. This paper looks at issues and trends concerning some of the
challenges bedeviling the provision and utilisation of public library services in Nigeria such as
in-appropriate policies, lack of sufficient professionals, inadequate facilities and services and
lack of awareness and proper understanding of the concept of public library services which led
to non-use of the available services by potential users. Yield shift theory (YST) of satisfaction
phenomena was used to explain the satisfaction phenomenon of public library services by users.
Identified challenges were discussed and recommendations made towards developing a
framework for improved public library services in Nigeria.