National Library Records 2,454 Digital Repository Items

National Library of Nigeria has recorded progress in digital transformation, with its National Repository growing to 2,454 items as itn begins a new five-year tenure under the national librarian and chief executive officer, Prof. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi.

Anunobi, now in her second five-year tenure, said the institution would consolidate the achievements of her first term while repositioning the National Library for greater relevance in Nigeria’s evolving knowledge economy.

During an interaction with members of staff and journalists yesterday on her first tenure which began in September 2021, she said the institution developed and implemented an Eight-Point Agenda as its blueprint for repositioning the National Library.

According to her, the agenda focused on digital transformation, human capital development, improved library services, literacy promotion, cultural preservation, community outreach and stronger partnerships.
The national librarian identified human capital as the most important resource behind the institution’s achievements, stressing that technology, policies and strategies could only succeed when supported by committed and competent personnel.

She disclosed that 198 staff were recruited, 453 promotions were recorded, 86 staff benefitted from study leave, while 38 others gained from conversion or upgrading during the period.

She added that staff development remained a major priority, with training and capacity-building programmes attracting 498 participants. According to her, investments in professional development and digital competencies enabled the staff members to adapt to new technologies and support the institution’s transition towards more efficient and digitally driven services.

On digital transformation, Anunobi said 1,514 rare and exclusive titles, representing 167,505 pages, had also been digitised.

She said that the initiative was designed to preserve Nigeria’s documentary heritage while making important historical materials accessible beyond the physical limitations of library facilities.

She also disclosed that the National Virtual Library had harvested 5,512 electronic resources, describing the development as a major shift in the philosophy of library service.

According to her, the National Library was moving from waiting for users to visit its facilities to taking knowledge and information closer to Nigerians wherever they might be.

The institution, she said, had also automated several professional and operational processes through platforms and services including the legal deposit platform, online ISBN and ISSN applications, Online Public Access Catalogue, newspaper locator and other digital services.

The National Librarian further highlighted progress in the institution’s branch libraries, literacy programmes and cultural preservation initiatives.

She said 148 book clubs and 99 literacy centres had been supported through state branches, while literacy campaigns and outreach activities recorded 127,781 beneficiaries during the period under review.

Anunobi also disclosed that the National Library recorded 236,627 user registrations and 610,462 resources consulted during the period.

Between 2022 and 2025, she said, 89,195 ISBNs and 3,072 ISSNs were issued, while 27,550 legal deposit titles comprising 158,980 volumes were received, adding that 18,075 titles comprising 57,451 volumes were also added to the institution’s collection.

Addressing staff, Anunobi urged them to embrace continuous learning, technology and professional values, stressing that the next five years must focus on consolidation, institutionalisation and sustainability.

“As we enter the next five years, let us not become complacent because of what we have achieved. Let us become more determined because of what remains to be achieved,” she said.