Nigerian Library Association

Nigerian Library Association (NLA) is a recognized organization for librarians and library and information science educators working in Nigeria.[1] Its headquarters is in Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory. It was established in 1962 in Ibadan.[2] It was birth from the West African Library Association (WALA). The NLA provides a forum for cooperation, knowledge sharing, and advocacy for the advancement of libraries and information services across the nation among librarians, information scientists, library professionals, and associated stakeholders. Kalu Chioma Okorie (OON),[3] its pioneer president is also one of the first to receive the Fellow Award of the association.[4] The current president of NLA and chairman of the council is Pastor Dominic Omokaro.[5][6][7] NLA mission is to:[8]

The aims of NLA

  • Advance the library profession in Nigeria.
  • Promote the use of libraries and information resources.
  • Advocate for improved library services for all Nigerians.
  • Provide professional development opportunities for librarians.
  • Represent the interests of librarians and libraries at the national and international levels.

Structures of the Nigerian Library Association

Nigerian Library Association has a structured organigram made up of a Council that comprises the chairmen of all the State Chapters and the Federal Capital Territory; the National Librarian/CEO of the National Library of Nigeria; the Registrar of the Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria and the chairmen of all the Sections/special interest groups that represent all the compartments of library and information centers.[9][10]

These interest groups are:

Nigerian Library Association Library and Information Technology Today (NLA LITT)

Nigerian Library Association, Cataloguing, Classification, and Indexing Section

Nigerian School Library Section (NSLS)

National Association of Library & Information Science Educators (NALISE)

Public Libraries Section (PLS)

Academic and Research Libraries (ARL)

Association of Government Libraries (AGOL)

Association of News Media Librarians of Nigeria (ANLON)

Association of Women Librarians in Nigeria (AWLIN)

Nigerian Association of Law Libraries (NALL)

Medical Libraries Section (MLS)

Activities of the Nigerian Library Association

The Nigerian Library Association (NLA) had a news conference in Abuja in April 2024, where it spoke on the issue of appointing non-librarians to head the various libraries in Nigeria. According to the President of NLA, Mr Omokaro, “The appointment of non-librarians to head libraries in Nigeria is an anomaly because the profession is highly regulated. We have a government regulatory agency that regulates who a librarian is and what qualifications you need to have to practice as a librarian. So, it becomes an aberration when you take a lawyer, doctor, or engineer to head a library, so we are advocating that our jobs are not taken away from us because we have trained librarians. As I speak, we have over 150 professors of the library, 500 to 1,000 librarians with PHD and over 14,000 members in the association captured and recognized as librarians.”[11] NLA also made cases on the completion of the National Library Project which has been going on for years. There was also the appeal to look into the State Library Boards by working for the standardization of the Public Library System in Nigeria. This is to enhance the public library services as it is described as the poor man's university. Another intervention by the NLA is on the school library system was reported as causing the collapse of education in Nigeria.[12][13]

NLA participated in the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Culture Promoters in Nigeria (NBRP) on August 17, 2023. The event aimed to promote reading culture and increase the voice of readers in the book ecosystem in Nigeria.[14]

Conferences and training

NLA Rivers State Chapter at the National Conference in Akure 2023

NLA plans and provides training, workshops, and seminars on conferences (both National and International) for members. These help to strengthen members' capacities and enrichment of service delivery.[15][16][17] For instance, there has been training on digital workspaces to enable members to build their capacities on modern technologies in library services.[18]

The NLA, State Chapters, and Special interest groups hold numerous conferences and themes throughout the year.[19] The largest conference is the annual conference.[20]

  • In 2024, the 62nd National Conference/Annual General Meeting was held at the CBN Centre of Excellence, university of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. On July 7–12, 2024. With the theme: Promoting Diversity and Inclusiveness through Innovative Library and Information Service Delivery in Nigeria.[21]
  • In 2023, the 61st National Conference/Annual General Meeting was held at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. On July 2–7, 2023. With the theme: Promoting Library Collaboration in A Changing World.
  • In 2022, the 60th National Conference/Annual General Meeting was held in Bolton Event Centre, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, Nigeria on July 3–8, 2022. With the theme: Library and Information Service in the Development of Nigeria: 1962 - 2022.
  • In 2021, the annual conference was hybrid - physical and virtual.[22] The Academic and Research Libraries (ARLS) of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) 2021 National Conference/Annual General Meeting (AGM) was scheduled to be held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka from 26 to 30 September 2021.

Awards and Fellowships in NLA

NLA gives awards and fellowships to its deserving members during its annual conferences.[23] One of such award was to Dr. (Mrs.) Modupe Aduke Aboyade CLN, FNLA, FIMPD of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso in 2023.[24] NLA also appointed Brand Ambassadors in 2023.[25]

Publications

Nigerian Library Associations publishes newsletters, books, conference proceedings, and Journals. They are:

Newsletters:

  • Nigerian Library Association (2020–2021). My vision for NLA. Newsletter. Vol. 29 (1&2), p. 37 January–December ISSN 1115-1501
  • Nigerian Library Association (2018). Making inroads & consolidating. Vol. 27 (1&2) January–June ISSN 1115-1501
  • Nigerian Library Association (2017). Breaking new grounds. Newsletter. Vol. 26 (1&2), p. 24 January–June ISSN 1115-1501

Books:

  • Nigerian Library Association (2022). The Nigerian Library Association at 60: History, achievements, challenges and prospects. In Balarabe, A. A & Kamba, M. A. (Eds). Zaria: Ahmadu Bello University Press, 386. ISBN 9789785959505 [26]
  • Nigerian Library Association (1970). Constitution as amended by the annual general meeting, 4 April 1970. Ibadan: Nigerian Library Association, 1970, p. 11. OCLC 25943535

Conference Proceedings:

  • Nigerian Library Association (2017). Libraries in promotion of national integration for development. 55th National Annual Conference of the Nigerian Library Association. Held in University of Lagos, July, 2017, p. 185. OCLC 1124769808. ISBN 9789789330119
  • Nigerian Library Association (2012). Nigerian Library Association at 50: Promoting library and information science profession for national development and transformation. Held in Abuja, July 15–19, 2012, p. 306. ISBN 9789780697167
  • Nigerian Library Association (1999). Information for the sustenance of a democratic culture: A compendium of paper presentations at the 1999 NLA annual National Conference and AGM, p. 138. OCLC 51060091

Journals

  • Nigerian Library Association (2021). Nigerian Libraries: Journal of Nigerian Library Association. Vol. 54 (1). January–June. ISSN 0029-0122
  • Nigerian Library Association (2019). Nigerian Libraries: Journal of Nigerian Library Association. Vol. 52 (1). January–June. ISSN 0029-0122
  • Nigerian Library Association (2019). Nigerian Libraries: Journal of Nigerian Library Association. Vol. 49 (1&2). Jan-Dec. ISSN 0029-0122
  • Nigerian Library Association (2016). Nigerian Libraries: Journal of Nigerian Library Association. Vol. 49 (1&2). Jan-Dec. ISSN 0029-0122
  • Nigerian Library Association (2012). Nigerian Libraries: Journal of Nigerian Library Association. Vol. 45 (1). June. ISSN 0029-0122
  • Nigerian Library Association (2012). Nigerian Libraries: Journal of Nigerian Library Association. Vol. 45 (2). December. ISSN 0029-0122
  • Nigerian Library Association (2011). Nigerian Libraries: Journal of Nigerian Library Association. Vol. 44 (1). July. ISSN 0029-0122
  • Nigerian Library Association (2010). Nigerian Libraries: Journal of Nigerian Library Association. Vol. 43 ISSN 0029-0122
  • Nigerian Library Association (2009). Nigerian Libraries: Journal of Nigerian Library Association. Vol. 42. ISSN 0029-0122
  • Nigerian Library Association (2008). Nigerian Libraries: Journal of Nigerian Library Association. Vol. 41. ISSN 0029-0122

Presidents

List of Past Presidents of NLA[27]
Name Tenure
K. C. Okorie 1962-1964
W. J. Plumbe[28] 1964-1965
E. B. Bankole 1965-1966
S. C. Nwoye 1966-1967
F. A. Ogunsheye (Mrs.) 1967-1970
S. B. Aje 1971-1973
J. O. Dipeolu 1973-1975
A. Mohammed 1976-1978
O. O. Ogundipe 1978-1980
A. H. Ningi 1980-1983
J. A. Maigari 1983-1985
J. A. Dosumu 1985-1988
J. O. Fasanya 1989-1993
Gboyega Banjo 1993-1998
Mu’azu H. Wali (Alh.) 1998-2000
James O. Daniel. (Dr.) 2000-2005
Victoria Okojie (Ms.)[29] 2005-2010
Lenrie Olatokunbo Aina (Prof.)[30] 2010-2012
Rilwanu Abdulsalami (Alh.) 2012-2016
Umunna Opara (Dr.) 2016-2019
Innocent Isa Ekoja[31] 2019-2022
Dominic Omokaro[32] 2022-till date

References

  1. ^ "The Water Network | by AquaSPE". thewaternetwork.com. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
  2. ^ Aina, Lenrie (July 2012). Nigerian Library Association at 50:Promoting Library and Information Science Profession for National Development and Transformation. Abuja: Nigerian Library Association/University Press PLC. p. 157. ISBN 9789780697167.
  3. ^ Udo, Mary (2017-02-17). "OKORIE, Kalu Chima". Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation. Retrieved 2021-09-04.
  4. ^ IWE, J. I. (2007). "A Historical perspective of library services in Nigeria: Problems and Prospects for the future". Global Journal of Humanities. 6: 33 – via African Journals Online.
  5. ^ "Libraries have become abandoned rooms – NLA President - Daily Trust". dailytrust.com/. 2022-12-24. Retrieved 2024-04-22.
  6. ^ Hakeem Gbadamosi (2023-07-13). "Librarians call for stakeholders' collaboration on reading culture revival". tribuneonline. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  7. ^ Henry Tyohemba (2024). "Librarians Seek Completion Of National Library Building". leadershipng. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  8. ^ "Nigerian Library Association | Information management for enlightment and development". nla.org.ng. Retrieved 2024-05-04.
  9. ^ Ralph Nwamefor (2007). "SENSITIZING THE SOUTH-EAST ZONE LIBRARIANS OF THE NIGERIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION". Anambra State Library and Information Science Digest. 1: 22–28 – via lisdigest.
  10. ^ IFLA (2012). "Professional Code of Ethics for Librarians. IFLA-Committee on Freedom of Access to Information and Free Expression (FAIFE)". ifla. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
  11. ^ "Library association opposes appointment of non-librarians to head libraries - Nigerian Current". 2024-04-11. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  12. ^ Chidimma C. Okeke (2024-04-12). "Librarians Urge Tinubu, Govs Not To Take Their Jobs". dailytrust. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  13. ^ Roadmap, Education (2024-04-12). "Library Association Opposes Appointment Of Non-librarians To Head Libraries | Education Roadmap". Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  14. ^ Ezugwu, Obinna (2022-07-18). "NLA President, National Librarian for NBRP Book Clubs in Libraries parley - Business Hallmark". hallmarknews.com. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  15. ^ Ebong Nyama Nkebem (2009). "Membership of the Nigerian Library Association and Job Performance". LWATI: A Journal of Contemporary Research. 6 (1): 441–446 – via ajol.
  16. ^ Helen Nneka Eke-Okpala (2011). "An Empirical Study of the Impact of NLA Conference Attendance on Librarians' Professional Development". PNLA Quarterly. 75 (4) – via academia.edu.
  17. ^ Jonathan Ogugua, Nancy Emerole & Rose Okiy (2005). "Nigerian Library Association Annual Conference: The Challenges of Libraries and Information Services Delivery in an Environment of Change and Reforms". Library Hi Tech News. 22 (9): 4–7. doi:10.1108/07419050510640440 – via ResearchGate.
  18. ^ Ezra Gbaje (2013). "Re-training of librarians for the digital work environment by the Nigerian Library Association". IFLA Journal. 39 (1): 30–36. doi:10.1177/0340035212472957 – via ResearchGate.
  19. ^ "Conferences". Nigerian Library Association. 2017-07-22. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  20. ^ Ikhizama, BO (2004-03-15). "The National Library Association as an Instrument for Library Co-operation". Nigerian Libraries. 35 (2). doi:10.4314/jnla.v35i2.26558. ISSN 0029-0122.
  21. ^ "Invitation to the 62nd National Conference and Annual General Meeting of Nigerian Library Association | Nigerian Library Association". nla.org.ng. Retrieved 2024-05-04.
  22. ^ Ejechi, Victor (2021-05-17). "2021 NLA National Conference – Virtual Participation". Nigerian Library Association. Retrieved 2021-06-16.
  23. ^ Iwe, J. I. (2007). "A Historical perspective of library service in Nigeria: Problems and perspective for the future". Global Journal of Humanities. 6 (1&2): 33–40 – via ajol.
  24. ^ "Home | Olusegun Oke Library". library.lautech.edu.ng. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  25. ^ National Library of Nigeria (2024). "National library of Nigeria official news bulletin". nln.gov. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  26. ^ Prof. A.A Balarabe (2024). "Brief Biography". Usman Danfodiyo University.
  27. ^ "PAST EXECUTIVE". Nigerian Library Association. 2017-07-24. Retrieved 2020-05-24.
  28. ^ Olden, Anthony (2005). "Library associations in Africa: Past and Present". Innovation. 31: 4. doi:10.4314/innovation.v.31i1.26502 (inactive 1 November 2024) – via ResearchGate.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of November 2024 (link)
  29. ^ Martins, Ameh (2019-11-14). "OKOJIE, Dr Victoria". Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation. Retrieved 2020-05-25.
  30. ^ Oladipo, Bimpe (2019-07-01). "AINA, Prof. Lenrie Olatokunbo". Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation. Retrieved 2020-05-25.
  31. ^ Babah, Chinedu (2017-01-19). "EKOJA, Prof. Innocent Isa". Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation. Retrieved 2024-04-22.
  32. ^ "Libraries have become abandoned rooms – NLA President - Daily Trust". dailytrust.com/. 2022-12-24. Retrieved 2024-04-22.