The development of library services in Nigeria marked a significant turning point in the nation's educational landscape. This article explores the evolution of libraries in Nigeria, from their early beginnings to the establishment of the National Library and its subsequent expansion.
Early Beginnings
In 1932, the Lagos library was established as a public library, marking one of the early milestones in library development in Nigeria.
Before the establishment of public libraries, private libraries played a crucial role. Henry Carr, for instance, established a private library that contained approximately 18,000 volumes.
After his death in 1945, the library was acquired, and its materials were used to establish the university college library at Ibadan in 1945, with John Harris as the first university librarian. With this a new course in the development of library services in Nigeria began.
In 1952, the northern regional library services became functional as a Division of the Ministry of Education in Kaduna.
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Three years after the eastern regional library board law was enacted, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) introduced a mobile library, which was quite successful at that time. This was later the first attempt to bring Library services into the interior of the country.
In the west, a library board was also created with responsibility for all matters relating to library development.
Topographical map of Nigeria showing its diverse regions.
Establishment of the National Library of Nigeria
The National Library of Nigeria came into operation in the mid-1960s with the enactment of the National Library Act of 1964, which was later replaced by Act No. 29 of 1970.
Before the passage of the National Library Act, a series of educational conferences conducted in Ibadan served as the intellectual basis for the creation of a network of libraries funded by the federal government to provide accessibility of educational materials to Nigerians.
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A government advisory committee was later created concerning the necessity to develop a local repository of knowledge. The committee was charged with finding a way to aid the government in bringing to prominence the intellectual foundations of its policies, creating a national bibliographic center, and providing an arena for the promotion of knowledge.
The committee was the first major formal body that called for a National Library as part of its recommendations.
A graphic illustration representing the importance of reading.
The National Library Act
The Library Act enacted by the House of Representatives of Nigeria guaranteed financial assistance to the project, the Act also provided provisions for the training of staff and the creation of a board of directors made up of professionals.
By the demands of the Nigerian Republic and the assembly, a group of 15 trained librarians were hired to play a positive role in developing and manning the library.
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A board was inaugurated in April 1966 by a new military government. The board was made up of government officials instead of professionals as written in the original act. However, the board tried to improve on the original objectives of the library, but the Nigerian Civil War hampered funding, and formal government actions were not taken until 1970.
In 1970, a new legal precedent was set with the creation of the National Library decree.
The Library is funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Originally, the Ford Foundation was involved with the project. The foundation brought in professionals, donated books, and funded the library's expansion.
Present Day
The National Library of Nigeria has 33 branches across the country including the FCT.
The library over the years has built on its original mission. Today, it is a vital organ that acts as the intellectual memory of the nation.
Information architecture within a library system.
Prof. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi was appointed as chief executive officer of the library on 8 September 2021. She took over from Prof. She has served as the University Librarian of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State.
She is a member of the Governing Council of African Library and Information Associations and Institutions (AfLIA) where she is serving her second term and represents the entire West Africa region.
The National Library of Nigeria holds over 10 million resources.
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