THE ANNUAL WORKSHOP OF THE NIGERIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION (NLA) LAGOS CHAPTER COMMUNIQUE

THEME: Access to information and knowledge: a new perspective on familiar issues

DATE:     4^TH MARCH – 7^TH MARCH, 2013

VENUE: GRACE HOUSE, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE, IWAYA, LAGOS

CHAIRMAN OF THE OCCASION: Barrister P.L. Akeredolu, REGISTRAR, FEDERAL SCHOOL OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

PARTICIPANTS: LIBRARIANS AND INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS WITHIN AND OUTSIDE LAGOS STATE

The workshop with the theme:  “Access to information and knowledge: a new perspective on familiar issues “ was informed by the need to continually broaden the knowledge of library and information professionals and other stakeholders in the field in order to enhance information service delivery. This theme was carefully chosen not only to underscore the importance of access to information and knowledge environment, but also to explore the current trends in information service delivery.

The workshop provided hands-on experience with the aim of equipping participants with the necessary skills.

Keynote address:  The keynote address was delivered by Rhonda Watson, Public Diplomacy officer, US Consulate General. the thrust  of her address is on self development and  for information professionals to  identify  the areas of needs in their organization and  meet such  information needs  From Rhonda’s address, librarians are to be queens and kings of sources of information and knowledge. But as much as this is imperative, Nigeria is particularly limited by access to the internet because of the low bandwidth.

 ACTIONS

Eminent LIS practitioners  assembled as speakers at the workshop. These are Mr Samuel Eyitayo, IRC Director, U.S. Consulate General, Lagos, Dr (Mrs) Idowu, the University Librarian, Lagos State University, Mr Ukoha Igwe, the University Librarian, National Open University, Ms. Omowunmi Segun, Consultant Librarian and Mr Felix Azubike, Chairperson, information Technology Section, NLA.

Mr Sam Eyitayo highlighted current trends in the library field. He motivated participants to know what is happening globally, bring it down and use with the vision of providing access to knowledge particularly through the use of social media. He enthused that today all areas of librarianship are deeply intertwined with technology, and librarians have no choice than to master the technologies of today, and as new trends come up, learn and re-learn, train and re-train users to move on. Librarians are encouraged to follow the trends, otherwise they go obsolete. Users are part of the society, once librarians develop themselves, it will invariably get down to the society.

Ms Omowunmi Segun’s presentation was on social tagging. She highlighted the   differences between social tagging and controlled vocabulary. Social tagging is a new trend in creating access to knowledge and there are some Integrated Library Systems (ILS) that have platforms for social tagging.

Mr Ukoha Igwe’s presentation focused on driving access to knowledge: action for library in Nigeria. There is an urgent need for libraries to bridge the digital divide by empowering their users through information literacy.

Dr (Mrs) Idowu spoke so much about the need for marketing library services. This can be done through librarians and information professionals creating awareness through different avenues such as use of signs, posters, campaigns, seminars, local bulletins and even social media. She talked so much about branding by showcasing your products and services to users and stakeholders. Overall, she talked about creating a user friendly environment through librarians, but this is only possible through those who have the right attitude. Librarians and information professionals should be efficient, competent, enthusiastic, adapt, be knowledgeable and astute person.

Felix Azubike’s paper was on performing effective web searches in a networked environment. He highlighted the need for librarians to explore the resources on the web in an attempt to facilitate access to information.

Ayo Alonge handled the practical aspect of the workshop by exposing participants to hands on experience on different Google products and services.

Resolution.

1. Information professionals should go for training and workshops to equip themselves.
2. As information professionals, provision of access to information using the various media should be ensured.
3. There is an urgent need for libraries to form consortia and library networks.   The national bodies: National Library of Nigeria, Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) and Nigerian Libraries Association (NLA) should take up this responsibility.
4. Organizations should provide a good working environment as well as infrastructures that will facilitate access to knowledge.
5. Librarians should keep abreast of information to know what is happening and the current trend in their profession and devote time for self development.
6. Information professional should market, brand and re-brand their services.

 Communiqué Committee:

•  Dr (Mrs) Airen Adetimirin -Chairman: 
• Adefunke Olanike Alabi (Mrs)
• Okewumi, Titilayo
• Mr Kakiri Inemoitimi Flint
• Saidi Oluwatoyin. V.
• Ukachi, Ngozi B. (Mrs)