The National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Osogbo,Osun State branch, joined the special celebration of the 60th anniversary of the NLN.
The state branch of NLN held a symposium and a cultural display, attended by distinguished guests, librarians and students from across the state and students in attendance.
The Deputy Director, of the host library, Mrs Olayemi Ayanyemi, in her opening remarks, welcomed the guests.
She acknowledged the efforts of the National Librarian/Chief Executive, Professor (Mrs) C.V Anunobi, for her mentorship style and transforming the country into a reading nation.
Ayanyemi also thanked the Osun State government for transforming the education sector. She stressed the importance of library to educational development and as the repository of the society’s body of knowledge accumulated over a period of time.
Dr. Akinbiyi Ayobami Adeleke, University Librarian, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, delivered a keynote address entitled “The Future of Libraries in the Digital Age: Preserving Heritage, Expanding Access and Engaging Youth.”
He recalled that the NLN was birthed 60 years ago after the “National Library Act of September, 1964 empowered the library to act as the intellectual memory and the legal deposit of the nation by receiving copies of books published in the country by both government and private authorities which makes it the largest depository of knowledge in Nigeria.”
Dr. Adeleke said the title of the keynote address was very relevant to everyone because the way people communicate, work and share knowledge have been transformed due to technological advancement.
He said libraries must not be left behind in this ever-changing environment. This situation, he added, has made the future of community libraries uncertain.
Adedeji said the role of the library is to preserve a community’s knowledge, culture and history, including the oral and indigenous knowledge passed from generation to generation.
He added that many books written by notable Yoruba literature writers, like J.F Odunjo, Oladejo Okediji, D.O Fagunwa and Akinwumi Isola, among others, were no longer in print, thus libraries must rise to the occasion to revive them.
“Many of these books are no longer in print because the publishing houses that acquired their copyrights are either dead or have changed their lines of business from production to distribution of foreign publications that downplay the ethics of our society.
“The NLN is in the best position to champion the renaissance of these invaluable intellectual assets,” he said.
Speaking further, Dr Adeleke said “digital technology can help preserve all manuscripts, artefacts and oral tradition, while libraries must also contextualise and safeguard the integrity of information since fake news is now rampant through digital devises.
“By extension libraries can also use technology to bridge the gap in national information, while exploring open access initiatives that allow them to partner with global institutions such as WHO, FAO and UNESCO, among others, to access materials to support learning, teaching and research.”
According to Adeleke, libraries must provide an engaging environment for collaborations, engagement and interactive learning, teaching youths to use technology and empower them to do so.
Libraries, he said, “can become hubs for innovation offering coding, robotics and digital media production media workshops.”
The 60th anniversary celebrations of the NLN were spiced with cultural displays from students around Osogbo, exhibitions, spelling bees, among other side attractions.
Other dignitaries at the event included the state Commissioner for Education, Hon. Sunday Adedipo Eluwole; Osun State Librarian, Mrs F.T Kolawole and Deputy Clerk (Publication), Osun State Library Board, Mr Muyiwa Ayeni, among others.
