Public Library Services for a Truly Democratic Nigeria.

Abstract

The paper explores conceptual analysis of public library services; democratic form of government as well as services offer by public libraries towards attaining a truly democratic Nigeria. Democracy is the best system of government in any country and the modernized public libraries can adopt varieties of library and information services. They include: acquisition and provision of collection and services to attain a truly democratic Nigeria; voter education/information literary, public enlightment programme; document delivery; social networking, referral, translation and mobile library services; services for the children and conflict resolution. For effective provision of library and information services in public libraries and true democratic Nigeria, information and communication technologies (ICTs) be adapted and used. Challenges to public library and information services include: funding, ICT skills of library personnel and electorate, infrastructural problem and religion and cultural factors. Conclusion was that application of ICTs to modern public library services would enhance a true democratic Nigeria and absence of the ICTs and efficient information may lead to not have a truly democratic nation. Paper recommended that to have truly democratic Nigeria, adequate funding for the procurement of ICTs, training of personnel and electorates; equipped infrastructure facilities be made available. There should be policy on public library services to disadvantaged groups in Nigeria.