Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Strategies Academic Libraries in Nigeria can adopt to curb the spread of Covid-19 and remain relevant in post Covid-19 pandemic.
Document Type Article
Abstract
This paper focuses on the strategies the Academic libraries can employ to help curb the spread of covid-19 and remain relevant in post Covid-19 pandemic with specific focus on State libraries in South Eastern Nigeria. The study reviewed Strategies Academic Libraries in Nigeria can adopt to remain relevant in post Covid-19 pandemic. The study seeks to find out the strategies Academic libraries can adopt to help curb the spread of Covid-19 virus in order to remain relevant and also to identify the challenges that may affect the adoption of these strategies by academic libraries in South East. The population of the study is three hundred and sixty six (366) which is the sample size as the study adopted the census method. Based on the findings, strategies such as Creation of Functional Library Websites, Use of Social media networks, social distancing, Managing remote working, Limiting numbers in the library, Promoting hygiene were identified as ways in which Academic libraries can adopt to help curb the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.The study also identified challenges such as Inadequate funding, Poor technological infrastructure, Lack of skilled personnel, Lack of Technological Gadget, Lack of internet Data as things that may affect the effective implementation of the strategies. Consequently, it was suggested that librarians in Nigeria should, as a matter of urgency, develop new skill sets tailored towards providing and redirecting library service delivery in support of learning in a virtual environment. Also, academic libraries in Nigeria should be given their self-importance as academic heart, through proper funding to be able to meet up with global best practices.