ABSTRACT

The paper is an opinion on positioning public libraries to help curb youth restiveness in Nigeria. Restiveness of any kind is inimical to growth and development in any nation. In recent time, Ni gen a has witnessed a spate of incessant killings, destruction of properties and insecurity in general in all the regions. It has been observed that restiveness in the country is mostly perpetrated by the youth. It is characterized by agitations, misconceptions and economic stagnation, and breakdown of law and order. The country has recorded insurgence in North East, militancy in Niger Delta, unknown gunmen in South East and Fulani herdsmen syndrome nation wide. This bas impacted negatively on the political stability, security, and economic development of the nation. It is believed that the provision and dissemination of timely, accurate information through the services of public libraries, the teaming youth of this nation will be re-oriented, and enlightened to take positive decisions which will engender stability in the polity. The adoption of veritable techniques and tools to ensure access and utilization of information and knowledge will help to combat youth restiveness and promote national development. Public libraries serve as agent for change and life-long learning. It is also established that exposing children and youth to public library services in their formative age, will produce youths and adults who will champion societal development and equity. This study adopted the Relative Deprivation Theory to explain the relationship between deprivation and agitation and social movements in a bid to obtain rights and resources denied. Identified causes of youth restiveness among others include: lack of information; idleness/unemployment; unsatisfied needs and poor standard of living. If the public library must function as an information catalyst; delivering adequate, timely, accurate information to the teaming youth, with a view to mitigate youth restiveness, Public libraries, librarians, information scientists and government must fully support and wakeup to their responsibilities.

Keywords: Youth Restiveness, Relative Deprivation Theory, Insecurity, National Development, Public Libraries