The Role of the 21st Century Female Librarian for Service Delivery in Nigeria: Case Study of Academic Libraries in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper seeks to investigate the role of the 21 st century female librarian for service delivery in Nigeria, focusing on academic libraries in Rivers State. A survey method was used to obtain data from 31 respondents (out of a population of 49) drawn from academic libraries in Rivers State, namely; Rivers State University, University of Port Harcourt and the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Capt. Elechi Amadi Polytechnic. Data was collected with a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistic. The study shows that the most common challenges hindering the expected role of female librarians include lack of financial support (poor funding of their libraries), unreliable electricity supply; inadequate computer and office tools; inadequate facilities, poorly equipped e-library, low maintenance culture and poor perception of female librarians. In addition, it shows evidence that the female librarian performs veritable role in the delivery of advisory service, library advocacy, community service; provides internet and SDI/CAS services. Hence, we recommend that the parent institutions of the libraries where these female librarians work should do everything possible to ensure female librarians have access to 21 st century state-of-the-art skills and competences in modern technology through training and retraining arrangements. Integral to the effective performance of the female librarian is the need to maintain and overhaul infrastructural facilities. These and other efforts should support the efficiency and competitiveness of the female librarian in delivering a technologically based 21 st century library service environment.