One Among the Twelve: How Library Professionals Constitute a Serious Challenge to the Provision of Library Services in the 21st Century

Authors

Isaac Echezonam Anyira, Western Delta University OgharaFollow

Date of this Version

8-2011

Comments

Published in Library Philosophy and Practice (2011) 6 p.

Abstract

This paper explores the librarian-based factors that pose serious challenges to the delivery of library services in the 21st century. It is not just funding, but also the librarian that hinders the 21st century library. Factors include inflation of costs, embezzlement, bribery, misappropriation of funds, lack of relevant skills, fear, bias, dogmatism, and ageism. Librarians should develop themselves by seeking ICT training; take full advantage of training and development, and take advantage of the knowledge and education offered by conferences and workshops; ICT skill should be accorded priority in recruiting and retaining librarians; the LIS curriculum should include 21st century advancements, to avoid churning out fresh librarians with obsolete skills; Librarians should handle library finances conscientiously without defrauding the library.