National Library Champions Digital Transformation Across Nigeria

The National Library of Nigeria has said it is taking bold steps to modernise the country’s knowledge infrastructure.

Prof. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, Chief Executive Officer of the library, spoke at the National Libraries Forum in Rome recently.

She told her international counterparts that the institution has embarked on a strategic digital transformation aimed at expanding access to scholarly and cultural resources across Nigeria.

The initiative, she said is part of a broader vision to ensure that citizens, researchers, and students can easily access quality information, regardless of location.

According to her, several digital platforms have already been launched as part of this transformation.

She said the National Repository of Nigeria (NRN) and the Virtual Library of Nigeria (VLN) offer centralised access to academic and cultural content.

Meanwhile, tools such as the Index to Nigerian Newspapers and the Newspaper Locator make historical and current news sources readily searchable.

To further enhance accessibility, she said the library introduced the Online Public Access Catalogue, allowing users to explore holdings remotely.

In addition, the International Standards Number Automation system and the Online Journal System streamline publication tracking and access, ensuring researchers and students can locate materials efficiently and effectively.

Prof. Anunobi emphasised that the digital transformation goes beyond technology but reflects a commitment to creating inclusive systems that support education, research, and cultural preservation, ultimately strengthening Nigeria’s knowledge economy and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.

Organised by EBSCO, the National Libraries Forum offered a platform for library leaders worldwide to share experiences and best practices.