Transformation Of Public Libraries In Nigeria For The 'Empowerment Of The Citizens And Society In The 21 Century:- Chinyere, Okezie A.

ABSTRACT

This paper discusses the transformation of public libraries for the transformation of the citizens and society in the 2 r' century. It conceptually analyses public libraries as an organization established, supported, and funded by the community, either through local, regional (state), or · national government or through some other form of community, organization to provide access to knowledge, information and works of the imagination through a rarige of resources and services on the basis of equality of access regardless of age, gender, ethnic affiliation, natior.a'ity, religion, language, or social status. It highlights some major chailenges as poor funding, inadequate and out-modeled physical structure and equipment; inadequate staff and inability of public libraries to attract and retain qualified staff among others. Other challenges of public libraries include lack of skilled manpower, lack of internet connectivity and automation of library operations, existence of public library laws that cannot meet the challenges of the 2 r' century library services. The paper observes that this transformation would ultimately translate to the empowerment of the citizens. for whom the public library is the often the only and last resort for information, development and enlightenment. The paper concludes that the current state of public libraries in Nigeria leaves a lot to be desired; therefore the,,~ transformation becomes highly desirable.