HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 6TH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TODAY (LITT) NATIONAL WORKSHOP HELD FROM 8TH TO 12TH OCTOBER 2012 AT THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE
Introduction
The 6th Library and Information Technology Today (LITT) national workshop of the Information Technology Section was held from 8th to 12th October 2012 at the MPB 04 Computer Laboratory of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun State with over 50 participants from across the country in attendance. The theme of the workshop was “Creating Innovative Libraries in Nigeria”.
The Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Olusola B. Oyewole addressing participants
Opening CeremonyThe workshop was declared opened by the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole, who was ably represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development), Professor Felix Kolawole Salako, while the Keynote address was presented by the Pioneer University Librarian of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Dr. Taofeek Salisu (FNLA).
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole in his address welcomed participants to the workshop. He gave a brief history of the university and informed participants of the university’s commitment to excellence adding that “FUNAAB will not spare any effort at ensuring that we provide the best in teaching, learning, character and community extension services”. Prof. Oyewole said that the institution’s “Nimbe Adedipe Library and the entire administrative and academic programmes of the university were ICT-driven”. According to him, “I must say that this university has been ICT-compliant for many years even when many others apart from the likes of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State and University of Ibadan, Oyo State. We have made it a practice that our lecture notes are readily available on the internet. Our sound lecturers are lecturing through the use of multimedia equipment. We are already in the ICT age,”
Ag. University Librarian FUNAAB, Dr. Mulikat Salaam addressing participants and guests
The Chairman of the Information Technology Section, Mr. Felix Azubuike, while welcoming participants and guests to the workshop traced the origin of Library and Information Technology Today (LITT) workshop. He said that LITT was conceived by the immediate past executive led by Mr. Samuel Eyitayo (FNLA) primarily to address the obvious gaps in the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in practice of Library and Information Professionals (LIPs) in Nigeria. He added that LITT was intended to update all Library and Information Professionals (LIPs) on the current state of Libraries and Information Technology in the Library world. The Chairman who highlighted the importance of creating innovative libraries in Nigeria, tasked participants to embrace information technology and innovations in order to add value to the profession and enhance user satisfaction. He thanked the Vice Chancellor for graciously accepting to host the 2012 LITT workshop despite the very short notice.
The Ag. University Librarian of FUNAAB, Dr. (Mrs.) Mulikat Salaam enjoined participants to take advantage of the workshop to improve their knowledge and skills. She thanked the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oyewole and other management staff for their support towards hosting the workshop, despite the short notice.
Keynote Speaker, Dr. Taofeek Salisu (FNLA)
The Keynote Speaker and Pioneer University Librarian of FUNAAB, Dr. Taofeek Salisu (FNLA) in his well delivered address titled: “Creating Innovative Libraries in Nigeria”, charged participants and library professionals to educate and upgrade themselves in the knowledge of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in order to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in the discharge of their duties. He emphasized the need to create innovative libraries in Nigeria through electronic lending services, electronic reference services, learning centre services, library services on mobile technology, digitization, etc. Dr. Salisu stated that for libraries of any type to be relevant in the 21st century they must be in the vanguard of provision of service-based activities that are technology driven. He added that “the 21st Century libraries, especially in Nigeria can be relevant if only the librarians accept with great enthusiasm the great challenge occasioned by the demand of present day library users”. He stated that the librarian of the 21st century in Nigeria must be versatile in many areas of information business, adding that “he will have to be an information provider rather than just a bridge between information medium and the clientele”. Please click here to read the full address: http://goo.gl/ycFjg
Workshop properThe workshop commenced immediately after the opening ceremony on Monday, October 8, 2012 with brief introductions by participants – including their job roles and expectations at the workshop. Thereafter the Chairman of the IT Section, Felix Azubuike presented a general overview of the workshop. The first presentation was made by Mr. Joseph Longshak of the Central Bank of Nigeria Library, Abuja. His presentations were titled: “Emerging Technologies for Information Literacy: Hands-on Screen-cast for User Instruction” and “Library-based online training programmes”.
A cross section of participants during one of the sessions
The second day, Tuesday, October 9, 2012 saw a continuation and conclusion of Mr. Joseph Longshak’s previous day’s presentation. The other presentations for the day were by Mr. Ayo Alonge of KPMG Services, Lagos on “Electronic Books: Trends and Markets” and “Mobile Technology: Strategic Approaches in Libraries”.
Ayo Alonge during his presentation
The third day, Wednesday, October 10, 2012 had three presentations beginning with Mr. Ayo Alonge’s presentation on “Exploring and Exploiting Search Engines”. Other presentations were by Dr. Ezra Gbaje of the Department of Library and Information Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria on “Content Management: Digital Archiving and Preservation; Content Harvesting, Workflows, and Publishing; and the Leadership Role of Libraries in Organizational Content Management” and Web Design: Creating the Ultimate Interface. The last session of the day was on “Library Issues and Challenges”. The session afforded participants an opportunity to share brief thoughts on what the BIG things for libraries will be in the next few years - participants shared their institutions’ plans for next week, next month, and next year. Participants also had the opportunity of asking our roomful of savvy colleagues anything that was on their mind.
The first presentation on Thursday, October 11, 2012 was a video presentation via Skype and was delivered by Mr. Samuel Eyitayo (FNLA), Director, Information Resource Centre, Lagos. His presentation was on “e-Library USA”. The last presentation for the day was by Dr. Chinwe Anunobi, Digital Librarian, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka on “Information Literacy Skills in the Service of End-Users”. After the group work, participants came up with a workshop communiqué. Please click here to read the communique - http://goo.gl/Heoo2
The sessions were practical, interactive, resourceful, and educative.
ClosingThe workshop ended with a dinner hosted by the Management of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta. The Vice Chancellor, Professor Oyewole was present at the dinner despite his very busy schedule. LITT 2012 CDs and certificates were presented to participants by the Ag. University Librarian of FUNAAB, Dr. (Mrs.) Mulikat Salaam.
Please click here to view more pics - http://goo.gl/LU6Vp
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