The Place of Library and Information Services in Open and Distance Learning in Nigerian Universities

Authors

Patricia N. Ofodu, National Open University of NigeriaFollow
Ogechi A. Agim, College of Medicine, University of LagosFollow

Date of this Version

10-6-2017

Document Type

Article

Citation

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Abstract

This paper emphasises about open and distance learning and the objectives as well as the rationale behind the establishment of open and distance learning. The characteristics of ODL as flexible, portable, transferable, relevant…, and identified the Universities that operate ODL programmes in Nigeria. It also analyses the important role played by library and information services in the open and distance learning in Nigeria. It aids information services in open and distance learning in the dissemination of information to distant learners such as registration of users, orientation/ user education, charging and discharging services, reference services, photocopying services, inter- library loan services, document delivery services, library automation, current awareness services, library guide, selective dissemination of information (SDI) and provision of library website/ links. Challenges such as lack of workout standard rules, lack of consistency of ICTs e – learning centres within the library, no laid down template from the National Universities Commission, lack of information literacy programme among ODL institutions and problem of electricity. The paper proffer remedies for effective services ranging from technical support, technological infrastructural facilities, virtual support programmes, partnership and collaboration and funding, since everything connected to open and distance learning is virtual online delivery and benefit to the distance learners - the library, its resources / information, facilities and services are made virtual for easy dissemination and retrieval of information, so the need for technical support cannot be over emphasised, fully equipped technological infrastructural facilities and resources, virtual supports programmes to enhance the library services to distant learners, partnership and collaborations from other libraries, and above all funding.