- The Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) has organised a training programme aimed at boosting the capacity of librarians on modern trends in library operations.
The Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) has organised a training programme aimed at boosting the capacity of librarians on modern trends in library operations.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the workshop on ‘Emerging Trends in Libraries’ held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, Registrar/Chief Executive of LRCN, Professor Michael Afolabi, said building the capacity of librarians is in line with the mandate of the Council.
Represented by the Director, Professional Services Department of LRCN, Mr Ja’afaru Abdullahi Wase, Prof. Afolabi said librarianship is evolving, hence, it is only ideal to develop the capacity of librarians to align with modern day practice.
A statement made available to The AUTHORITY in Abuja by Mrs Ngozi Oboh, Deputy Director of Public Relations, LRCN, quoted Prof. Afolabi as saying that the Council would continue to build the capacity of librarians on contemporary issues in the library and information science sector.
While saying that the aim of the workshop was to stimulate discussions among the library and information science professionals on the reforms going on in the sector across the globe, the LRCN boss stressed the importance of equipping librarians with various skills that would meet the present and future needs for operational functions and service provision.
He said technology has put more power in the hand of users, confronting them with too much information for which they lack skills to sieve and critically evaluate effectively, which prompted the need for continuous training of librarians to assist library users.
“Walls of libraries are expanding beyond their physical space to encompass online resources, social and mobile services opening up collection and services previously hidden from view.
“Libraries therefore need to lead the way in digital citizenship and remain relevant in the new information landscape,” the statement said.
Also speaking during the workshop, ATBU’s Librarian, Dr Musa Adisa Bello, stated that expanding the digital universe will bring a higher value to information literacy skills such as basic reading and competence with digital tools.
He said people who lack these skills will face barriers to inclusion in a growing range of areas.
