Advocacy in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of Selected Academic Libraries in Southwest Nigeria

Back to Journal

Home»Articles»Advocacy in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of Selected Academic Libraries in Southwest Nigeria

Advocacy in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of Selected Academic Libraries in Southwest Nigeria

Author : R. A. Olurayi
Volume 9 No.3 July-December 2019 pp 17-20

Abstract

This study investigated advocacy in selected academic libraries in the southwest in order to ascertain methods used and challenges faced in the course of advocating for their libraries with possible solutions. It has become necessary to create awareness and also make our libraries visible to the world so that they can be supported in cash and kind. This enables librarians provide the necessary service hence patronage is encouraged. The study adopted a survey research design with two sets of questionnaire(s) which had 34 and 25 items respectively and interview. Random selection of the population comprised of two hundred and seventy seven (277) librarians (professionals and paraprofessionals) and library users mostly lecturers’ from different departments from the University of Ibadan, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Obafemi Awolowo, University Ile Ife and Lead City University Ibadan respectively. Results showed that all the academic libraries in this study have not started advocacy, do not have advocacy plan in their strategic objectives. Therefore, librarians and other library personnel ought to be sent for trainings, workshops and seminars to equip them for advocacy activities. The study recommended that similar study be carried out in other academic libraries across Nigeria to enable librarians understand its importance.

Keywords

Advocacy, Academic Libraries

Full Text:

References

[1] Berry, J. N. (1996). It’s time to advocate librarians. Library Journal, 121(14), 106.
[2] Cavill, P. M. (2001). Advocacy: How does it differ from public relations and marketing? Felicities 47(2), 90-93.
[3] De Saez, E. E. (2002). Marketing concepts for libraries and information services. London: Facet Publishing.
[4] Dempsey, K. (2002). Visibility: Relocking the invisible librarian searcher. 10(7), 76-81.
[5] Dolan, J. (2006, April). Championing libraries. A presentation at Sheffield Hallam University by the Head of Library Policy, Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.
[6] Gibbons, J. (2005). Public library A, B, C’s: Advocacy, bookmobiles and the commonwealth. Kentucky Libraries, 69(3), 11-13.
[7] Glass, S.P. (1999). Speaking Up and Speaking Out: Ensuring Equity through Advocacy. American Libraries, 30(9), 50-53.
[8] Hainer, E. (2005). School librarians and advocacy: Part of the problem or part of the solution? Knowledge Quest, 33(5), 27 -29.
[9] Hornby, A.S. (2006). New York: Oxford University Press
[10] Miller, R. (2006). Gates Boosts Rural Libraries. Library Journal, 131(8), 20.
[11] Mlanga, M. (2012). Advocacy and lobbying for people centered libraries. Retrieved March 10, 2019 from http://www.goethe.de/ins/ za/za/pro/lag/ kenya-mlanga.pdf.
[12] Siess, J.A. (2003). The visible librarian: Asserting your value with marketing and advocacy. Chicago: American Library Association.
[13] Todaro, J. (2006). The power of persuasion: Grassroots advocacy in the academic library. College and Research Libraries News, 67(4), 228-229, 268. Retrieved from: http://doi.org/10.5860/crln.67.4.7604

Indian Journal of Information Sources and Services (IJISS) a Multidisciplinary Library and Information Science Journal is a refereed Journal and publishes from India. This Journal encompasses all branches of Library and Information Sciences and its sub – disciplines like Library Management; Information Systems & Services, Information Processing & Retrieval; Information Sources & Services; Community Information System, Scientometrics & Informetrics, IR Theory, Knowledge Organization; Information processing & retrieval, Classification, Preservation & Conservation, Information Management,Library classification, Information sources, Systems and Services,Computer Application in Library; Digital Library; Information Systems; Bibliographic Control, etc.

All papers are peer-reviewed and newly selected panels of international referees have been appointed to ensure that review is done rapidly and to the highest standards. Special topics will provide accounts of research, written periodically at the invitation of the Editorial Board by Library Professionals under the direction of Editor-in-Chief.