The need for library managers to re-strategize and develop new digital initiatives to remain relevant information providers in the evolving human society has been stressed once again.
This formed the central discourse at the 2021 conference cum annual general meeting of the Nigerian Library Association, NLA, Anambra State Chapter.
The event, which was themed “Innovative Digital Practices: Transforming Libraries for Information Services Sustainability” was attended by notable scholars, state and national members of the association.
Declaring the conference open, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C-Don Adinuba, said that the Anambra State government has already initiated measures to restore mobile library services in the state, adding that his ministry is also working with the state Ministry of Education to ensure the actualization of the scheme.
Mr. Adinuba, who lauded the doggedness of NLA in Anambra State, stated that no nation can develop without information, noting that the library still remains a reservoir of information that can measure up with the present computer age.
A keynote speaker and the librarian of University of Abuja, Professor Ebele Anyaoku, represented by the Head of Medical Library at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus, Dr Ada Orakpor, said in the era of online education, all libraries should mandatorily support e-learning by making available library websites, electronic journals, e- books, educational videos and interactive online modules among others.
The chairman on the occasion, Professor Williams Obiozor from the Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, represented by a former Director of Anambra State Library Services, Barrister Chris Onebune, described library as the first and foremost information resource base that helps to promote reading culture of the people.
Earlier in her opening remark, the Director of Anambra State Library Services, Dr Nkechi Udeze, who expressed satisfaction with the participation of members in this year’s event, said that it served a great opportunity for librarians to network and cross-fertilize ideas.
Others, who spoke to the ABS including the Managing Director of Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Sir Jude Emecheta, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on Secondary Education, Dr Paul Ifeanyi and Mr. Ralph Nwamefo, harped on the need for digitization of public libraries in the country to make them serve the global demand for reading and learning.
The conference featured award presentations.
Comments are closed for this post.