Abstract

 Purpose: This study set out to investigate areas of priorities and challenges of actualizing sustainable development goals (SDGs)

Methodology: A survey research design was adopted with questionnaire developed in line with the three objectives used as data collection instrument. The population of the study comprises of library and information professionals (LIPs) in Imo State. Nigeria A total of 62 library and information professionals available during the Imo State Chapter of Nigerian Library Association (NL.A) meeting were used as sample size.

Findings: Findings show that sustainable development goals (SDGs) numbers I, 2, 3.4.5. 8. 16 and 17 should be prioritizeJ among L/Ps. Comtraint.t to effectfre conlribution of UPs towards reuliwtion of SDGs include lock of reliable and accurate data, negligence of LICs by governmenls. poor perceptions of the library profession, low level of private sector interest in library services, poor lobbying and advocacy skills amongst LIPs, paying lip services to library development programmes by governmenJ and low level of partnership drive among librarians.

Practical lmpllcaJions: Creating awareness/sensitizing the citizens. equipping of library information centres (LICs) to support research, provision of educational information to improve quality of education, provision of funds to revive LICs, use of talks, shows.'exhibitions in creating awareness and reviving of public libraries in Nigeria amongst others, were identified as strategies that LIPs can adopt to cort1ribute towards realization of SDGs.

 Originality/ value of contribution: 7ne originality of this paper lies in the fact that it has unlocked areas of priorities for library and information professionals. It has laid the foundation for actualization of the much heralded sustainable development goals for L/Ps in Nigeria. The study concludes that library and information professionals occupy a central position in national development and can play significant role towards the full realization of SDGs in Nigeria.

Keywords: Priorities, Sustainable Development, Library Practitioners, /r(ormation Professionals. Information Centres