Libraries Must Innovate To Engage New Generation – Prof. Anunobi

The National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, has said libraries must innovate to remain relevant to the new generation.

Speaking during an interactive session with staff to mark her fourth anniversary in office, Prof. Anunobi explained that while the mandate of the NLN remains constant, its strategies must evolve, driven by innovation, focused on engaging young people, and determined to extend services to even the most remote communities.

According to a press statement by Vershima Orvell-Dio, the Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, National Library of Nigeria, the session has become a yearly tradition since her appointment in 2021.

According to him, the event was held at the NLN headquarters under the theme: “Four Years of Holding on to the Mandate: Innovation, Engaging New Generation and Reaching the Unreached.”

Reviewing her stewardship over the past year, she outlined key achievements such as the sponsorship of 118 staff for professional capacity-building, the recruitment of 94 new staff to fill vacant positions, enhancement of outsourced staff salaries, and provision of welfare support to ailing staff.

She also noted the successful commemoration of the NLN’s 60th anniversary, which featured a landmark road walk to the institution’s permanent headquarters under construction, the development of a new 2025–2030 Strategic Plan to succeed the 2020–2024 plan, and the continuation of International Digital Literacy Training, producing 141 certified graduates.

Other milestones include securing full NBTE accreditation for the Centre for Advanced Library and Information Management (CALIM), matriculating the third set of diploma students, and remodelling the centre with standard hostel accommodation.

“These milestones are anchored on our 8-point agenda and aligned with the five strategic objectives of the 2025–2030 plan. This strategy represents the NLN’s journey in fostering literacy, education, research, cultural preservation, and access to knowledge,” she said.

Looking ahead, the National Librarian unveiled initiatives such as digitising Nigeria’s cultural and historical heritage, expanding digital access through a robust virtual platform, promoting storytelling and literacy campaigns, and collaborating with stakeholders to deliver cutting-edge educational tools.

She also expressed optimism about the early completion of the NLN headquarters, improved budgetary allocations, delivery of new operational buses, expansion of directorates to boost productivity, and the launch of the National Library of Nigeria Fund.

The anniversary event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session during which she responded to queries from staff at the headquarters and those who joined virtually from state branches.

“We will hold firmly to our mandate, expand innovative operations and services, engage the new generation, and reach the unreached, all anchored on my 8-Point Agenda. Our activities will leverage the five strategic objectives of the 2025–2030 plan since this strategy represents the NLN’s journey of fostering literacy, education, research, cultural preservation, and access to knowledge,” she added.