The Role of the National Library of Nigeria in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examined the National Library of Nigeria's role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria. The study’s objectives were to identify the library services provided by the National Library of Nigeria that support the attainment of the SDGs in
Nigeria and to examine strategies the National Library of Nigeria could adopt to provide better support for the attainment of the SDGs. This study adopted a survey research design. The study population comprised 210 librarians (both professionals and library officers) at the National Library of Nigeria’s headquarters. The study used an observation checklist and a questionnaire as data-collection instruments. The study used descriptive statistics, namely the mean and standard deviation, to analyse the data. The study revealed that library services such as reference services, Current Awareness Services (CAS), Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI), bibliographic services, indexing and abstracting services, e-library services, digital repository services, and literacy programmes are available and could support the attainment of SDGs. The study concluded that the National Library of Nigeria is central to attaining the SDGs by ensuring
that library services are provided and made accessible at the right time. The study recommended, among other things, that the National Library of Nigeria ensure the provision of adequate library services, especially media and information literacy, digital services, accessibility services, and lending services, which are not rendered or are not functional in the library. The management of the National Library of Nigeria should further create awareness of library services available on SDGs and related issues through displays and exhibitions for library users.