Relevance of Library Professionals in Accreditation Exercise in Nigeria Academic Libraries

Abstract

This article is built on the notion that most libraries and librarians in the higher institutions of learning play significant role in helping the institutions to achieve accreditations. An overview and functions of the higher institution accreditation bodies in Nigeria was identified. Example of the NUC evaluation instruments used for universities accreditation to verify and measure minimum standards were identified to include personnel, libraries and funding were highlighted along with the percentages allocated for measuring each item. The library was showcase as a mirror image of the true value and placement of an institution of higher education within the ranking scheme of the institution. The library and librarians roles in acreditation exercise expalined in this paper includes: curricular aspects, teaching, learning and evaluation, research, innovations and extension, infrastructure and learning resources, institutional values and best practices among others were also discussed. The paper concluded that professional librarians’ involvement in the accreditation exercises of higher institutions of learning would lead to tremendous success.