Abuja, Nigeria – Mediaage NG News – The Chairperson, National Library Association (NLA) FCT chapter, Folasade Adepoju, on Tuesday said the pace of technological advancement has propelled the focus of library system on engaging various communities of users, describing it as “more crucial than ever”.
Represented by Mr. I.O Ajibola, Mrs. Adepoju revealed this at the NLA’s 2023 Annual Conference/Workshop in Abuja, with the theme “Exploring Modern Library System To Evolve Models That Blend With Dynamic User Communities.
Stating that the aim of the conference is to delve into innovative approaches and insights that will foster collaboration to shield the future of library systems in the FCT and beyond, she said library as a profession, has established worthy persons that have left indelible imprints to reach the zenith of its capacity, through specialised provision of information knowledge services.
The Association’s President, Pastor Dominic Omokaro, while acknowledging that libraries have long been regarded as depository of knowledge, said in today’s world, there are transforming technological advancement that adapts to the diverse needs of library user.
Modern library system refers to the technologically advanced and integrated management system, it involves digital cataloguing, online data basis with features like online access and eBooks and other digital contents.
“Modern library system refers to the technologically advancements and integrated management system, it involves digital cataloguing, online data basis with features like online access and eBooks and other digital contents”, Pastor Omokaro said.
“This system seems to streamline library operations and enhance user experiences by leveraging technology.
“The concept of a dynamic user community in librarianship involves recognising that users are diversed and their needs revolve overtime. Librarians often engage with community, adapting services and resources to meet changing demands.
“This dynamic approach considers factors like technology and educational strengths to ensure that the library remains relevant and responsive to the ever changing needs of users. It emphasises on continuous interactions and feedbacks between librarians and the community to enhance library services”, he added.
The NLA president also said blending the evolution of modern library systems with dynamic user community involves adapting to changing user needs and technological advancement.
He listed strategies to achieving this, which include involving digital collections to meet the needs of tech service users and ensure they are accessible through the library system.
The second he said is user centred design that encourages user friendliness. Others are personalisation that allows users to personalise their experiences like recommendations, based on user suggestions. The fourth he identified as mobile friendliness. “This is to ensure that the library system is mobile friendly to accommodate users’ smartphones, androids and tablets”, he said.
Statistician of the Federation and Chief Executive of the National Bureau of Statistics, Adeyemi Adeniran, represented by the Director, Corporate Planning, Ibrahim Wakili said it is evident that the library system must adapt to the user community because digitalisation has resulted in a paradigm shift. Libraries he said must remain relevant despite this and must recognise the power of technology.
“Modern library represents a call for redirection from static library use to digitalisation”, Mr. Wakili stated.