IT and Libraries: Nigeria digitizes the collections of the National Library

In an effort to preserve information resources that are weak and deteriorated due to age and usage, the Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the digitization of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) and the automation of its services in line with the global standard.

The New National Librarian and Chief Executive of the National Library of Nigeria, Professor Chinwe Anunobi stated that her administration will leverage Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to reposition and raise the standard of the NLN. She described her effort so far as building bridges to connect the old and the new, by leveraging technology.

“We have deployed KOHA library automation software for cataloging and classification in the National Library. On April 4, 2022, we launched our Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), the window for all the resources housed by the National Library of Nigeria. This will enable users to virtually check for the materials we have, and their exact location, without physically rummaging our shelves”, – Anunobi said.

Professor has also appealed to media and newspaper houses particularly to deposit e-copies of their publications with the NLN to ease the digitization process.

The digitization of the library’s resources will not just preserve them, but also make them available to the public in an easier-to-access mode both in Nigeria and abroad.