Bobrisky be shaking tables
So there’s this hot topic buzzing social media right now… You know how VeryDarkMan (VDM) has been on Bobrisky’s case lately, right? Plus, with Gistlover blog dropping those names of “gabriellas” recently, there’s been quite a stir about gender identity and social influence in Nigeria. Facebook and Twitter no dey calm at all! 😅
Looking forward to an upcoming, not so regular academic topic if you ask me: “Being Bobrisky Symposium: Agency, Subjectivity, and Politics” organized by The LSA African Studies Center at the University of Michigan and the University of Kansas, scheduled to hold via Zoom on 2nd of November 2024. That would be something else right? And here’s what got me writing: will VDM show up? 👀 See details of the announcement on Optimistic Scholar Blog,.
Let’s be real though, this is actually beyond Bobrisky. It’s more about how Nigeria is changing, how we’re having conversations we never used to have before. Whether we like it or not, Bobrisky has become a symbol of defiance against gender norms in Nigeria. Scholars are now gathering to discuss the complexities of agency and subjectivity and this I think will not just be the usual academic big grammars gathering, who knows, next will be project/dissertation topics about the influence of people like Bobrisky to society. A symposium like this can help us understand how influential celebrities like Bobrisky and the likes use their platforms to challenge societal expectations and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in Nigeria. These kind of conversations can actually help build a more inclusive Nigeria, redefine self-expression and prepare us for the future.
If you’re interested in the conversation, not the drama… Just Register to participate
NLA IT SECTION HOLDS 18TH ANNUAL LITT WORKSHOP/CONFERENCE AT UNIABUJA
The Nigerian Library Association Information Technology Section held her 18th Library and Information Technology Today (LITT) Workshop/Conference at the University of Abuja from Sunday, October 13th and to Friday, October 18, 2024. The conference is an annual gathering of library professionals to expose them to new technologies and how such can be integrated to enhance library services. This year’s workshop/conference themed “Technology-Driven Libraries: Creating a Smart Future”, was a hybrid one which saw participation both physically and online. Furthermore, five 400-level students of Library and Information Science from different institutions were provided the opportunity to attend the conference through a scholarship scheme set up by the association.
Highlights of Each Day of the Conference/Workshop:
Day One
The day began with a welcome address from the host and chairman of the Nigerian Library Association Information Technology Section, Mr Agwu Patrick Uzodinma who said that Nigerian librarians must lead the way in digitising library activities.
This was followed by the session on paper presentation where librarians presented papers both physically and virtually on various topics touching on artificial intelligence and library services and received feedback from the audience.
Mr. Agwu Patrick enjoined the presenters to take note of the feedback from the audience and effect necessary corrections so they could re-submit their papers at the end of the conference.
Next was a session on “The Rise of Smart Libraries: Transforming Information Access” facilitated by Mr. Agwu Patrick where the audience was introduced to AI tools to help simplify basic library tasks as well as preparing power points.
After this was a session facilitated by Dr. Azeez Adeoye on “Unlocking Global Recognition Strategies for 21st Century Scholars to Boost Visibility, Impact Factor and H-index”. Among other valuable information, Dr. Adeoye stressed on the need for librarians to take advantage of various online platforms to boost their visibility. “An individual should strive for visibility in their field and connect that field to what is in trend,” he said. The session also provided practical demonstrations on how librarians could use these platforms (Google Scholar, ORCiD, etc).
The day ended with a PostgreSQL session facilitated by Dr. Sunday Tunmibi.
Day Two
Day two was the opening ceremony, which saw in attendance the acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Admin, Prof. Philip Afaha; the University Librarian, UniAbuja, Prof. Ebele Anyaoku; the President and Chairman of Council, NLA, Lbrn. Pst. Dominic Amenaghawon Omokaro; West African Library Association (WALA) President, Dr. James O. Daniel; the former University Librarian, UniAbuja, Prof. Roseline Ifeoma Echezona; representative of the National Librarian/CEO of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Prof. Chinwe Anunobi; Representative of the Director, Education Resource Center Abuja, Hajiya Dr. Neemat D. Abdulrahim; former PRO, NLA, Aare Tunji Okegbola; amongst other important dignitaries.
The day featured a keynote address titled “Technology-Driven Libraries: Creating a Smart Future” delivered by Prof. Ebele Anyaoku who stated, among others, that library search tools have evolved from the traditional card catalogues to technology-driven tools like OPAC. The Co-Chairman of the opening ceremony, the University Librarian of Baze University, Abuja and President of WALA, Dr. James Daniel also gave a welcome address where he stated, amongst other key things, that libraries across the world are embracing new technologies. He charged librarians to continue, “exploring new technologies that can enhance the services we provide” as well as advocate “for policy reforms to ensure that libraries receive the necessary funding and basic infrastructure support.”
While delivering his remarks, the Chairman of the NLA IT Section, Mr. Patrick U. Agwu said “As we chart the course toward a smart future for libraries, it is crucial to keep our core mission in focus—serving our communities, enabling access to knowledge, and fostering lifelong learning for all. The solutions we explore this week will empower libraries to be more inclusive, resilient, and adaptive to the changing landscape.”
The DVC admin of UniAbuja representing the Acting VC was also invited to give an address where, amongst other things, he spoke about the problem of lack of funding of libraries. There was also an address from Lbrn. Pst. Omokaro, who amongst others, responded to the DVC admin’s statement about the problem of funding of libraries and the reason why the National Library building remained uncompleted, that it was due to the government’s failure to see economic value in libraries. Lbrn. Pst. Omokaro also shared his personal experience with artificial intelligence in a contactless hotel he’d lodged in and how that exposed him to the diverse nature of AI and commended the NLA-IT Section consistently enhancing the capacity of librarians in Nigeria. Furthermore, goodwill messages were received from Prof. Echezona who emphasised that AI has come to stay and librarians should know how to use it for enhanced activities; a representative of the National Librarian, Prof. Anunobi who commended President Omokaro for his advocacy for better facilities of the library; the University Librarian, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Stella Anasi who reminded librarians that “the day you stop learning is the day you start dying.”
The opening ceremony also featured a workshop session as well as presentation of excellence leadership awards to Lbrn. Pastor Dominic Omokaro, FNLA- National President and Chairman of Council, NLA; Prof. Chinwe Anunobi FNLA, National Librarian/ CEO, National Library of Nigeria and Hon. Sagir Ahmed Musa, Hon. Commissioner for Information, Youth Sport and Culture, Jigawa State. The highlight of the event was an educational display/playlet by 300-level students of Library and Information Science, UniAbuja.
Day Three
This kicked off with paper presentations as well as questions, critiques and commentaries from the audience. This was followed by workshop sessions. Engr. Seun Adewoye provided a practical workshop session on Cloud Computing – Amazon Web Services Management Console. Another practical session facilitated by Mr. David Oguche on how to create a WordPress.com website followed.
Day Four
This featured a session facilitated by Mr. Sylvester Ebhonu (The Digital Librarian) titled “Driving Digital Transformation in Nigerian Libraries: Practical Skills for Today’s Librarians”. He took the participants on six different practicals, introducing them to various Digita/AI tools and how librarians can use these tools to automate library processes as well as opportunities in digital librarianship and content creation. In addition to this, he stressed that these AI tools should be used ethically and with transparency. The session was an interactive one as he opened the floor to comments and feedback from the audience during his teaching.
The session was followed by paper presentations and feedback from the audience about the presentation. Delegates resolved that the presenters should be given two weeks to effect the necessary corrections and then submit their papers.
The day also featured a continuation of the previous day’s session on how to navigate WordPress which was facilitated by Mr David Oguche.
Dr. Esther Gani facilitated a practical session on “Emerging Technologies: Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality” where she introduced the audience to less known and less utilized Google AI tools amongst Nigerian librarians. Mr Sylvester Ebhonu returned to wrap up his session by taking the audience on how librarians can integrate content creation with librarianship.
Mr. Agwu facilitated the final session on Cybersecurity and Privacy: Protecting Your Digital Footprint” and gave the closing speech.
The communique/report was presented by Ms. Elizabeth Tosanwunmi Tarre, a 400-level LIS student of the University of Ibadan and a beneficiary of the NLA LITT Scholarship Scheme.
The event came to an end with the presentation of certificates.
Demystifying Open Access: Join our Free Webinar for International Open Access Week 2024
Demystifying Open Access: Join Our Free Webinar for International Open Access Week 2024
The concept of Open Access seem common, simple, and even impacting the scholarly world in a very significant way, but it is still misunderstood by many. This should actually be a great concern not just for librarians, but scholars from all disciplines, government and other stakeholders. Open Access helps to make researchers’ outputs free and available to the public without any barriers for purpose of greater academic collaboration. The International Open Access Week is a rare opportunity to demystify open access and explore the future of scholarly publishing.
This year’s theme tagged: “Community Over Commercialisation,” will enable us look at how possible it is for us to prioritize community-driven initiatives over profit and creating equal access to knowledge. So, whether you’re a lecturer, researcher or librarian, or just someone passionate about the future of knowledge sharing, this is the conversation you need to be part of!
The Digital Librarian, the Upskill and Connect Village, Sarah Yop Gyang, Libsense Open Science Nigeria and Dr. Azeez A. Adeoye (experts in the area) are excited to host a free webinar to mark this global event. The webinar will feature two key presentations, then followed by an engaging panel discussion.
Date: Saturday 26th October, 2024
Time: 1:00pm (Nigerian Time)
You can participate in this webinar through any of the following platforms:
YouTube || Facebook || LinkedIn
Why should you join this webinar?
- You’ll gain insights from the presentations on open access, ethics and community-oriented knowledge sharing.
- The panel will feature open access advocates who will discuss the balance between community priorities and commercial interests.
- We will also be making a major announcement during the event. Content, which we’re previously closed/paid-for will now be freely accessible for professional growth in librarianship.
- We also plan to hold a live voting session where participants can vote on whether Nigerian academic institutions should fully embrace open access.
- Participation is free and open to everyone! Join the Upskill and Connect Village now
WATCH ON YOUTUBE NOW!
This is another opportunity to learn more about open access and be a part of the conversations that will shape the future of scholarly publishing.
SPREAD THE WORD!
Click here to learn more about the Upskill and Connect Village
Sylvester I Ebhonu (TheDL)
NLA President Receives Honorary Doctorate and Humanitarian Recognition
NLA President Receives Honorary Doctorate and Humanitarian Recognition
Over the weekend (on Saturday, 19th October 2024) at the University of Lagos, Akoka – Lagos State, the NLA witnessed another milestone achievement, as Lbrn Pastor Dominic Amenaghawon Omokaro (President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA)) was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Library and Information Science and got inducted into the Integrity Fellow Humanitarian Ambassador Hall of Fame Class of 2024 by the Anointed University Worldwide, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Dr. Hajiya Neemat D. Abdulrahim, a member of Council of the University, while reading the President’s citation, described the NLA President as “a man with Fragrance of Integrity.” Many people who have worked with him would agree with this.
Congratulations to our dear President on these well-deserved honours!
Feel free to share a word of congratulations for our own!
SING YOUR PROFESSION and WEAR YOUR PROFESSION!!!
https://thedigital-librarian.com/product/wear-your-profession-with-pride/
Singing the Anthem of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA)
Singing the Anthem of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA)
When professional associations adopt an anthem, it becomes more than just a melody to the members. As a member of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), singing our anthem, gives me a strong sense of purpose to a greater call – ‘A Call to serve humanity.’
The NLA anthem was composed by Dr. Chinemerem Clement Ukangwa and it reflects so much of the kind of Librarian Nigeria truly needs, it emphasizes quality service and literacy for all and can actually serve as a guide and inspiration for us. The more we sing it together, knowing the lyrics and tone, the stronger I believe our professional unity becomes. Hence, there is need for Library and Information professionals, as well as LIS students to memorize and internalize this anthem, because the lyrics of the anthem is not just motivating, but reminds us of the core values and responsibilities of the profession, including need for us to promote literacy.
NLA ANTHEM LYRICS:
Nigerian Library Association
We are called to serve humanity
In humility, sharing knowledge
With Cheerfulness and Kind heart
Quality Information Services
to our patrons is our mandate
In research, we are there
In development, we are there
In innovation, we are there
We’ll live true to our call
LITERACY FOR ALL!!!
HOW TO SING THE NLA ANTHEM
Dr. C.C. Ukangwa is a librarian at Laz Otti Memorial Library, Babcock University. He donated the anthem, which was officially launched on Tuesday, 5th, July, 2022 during the opening ceremony of the 60th Annual Conference and AGM of the Nigerian Library Association. In recognition of his exemplary commitment to the association, a Presidential Merit Award was presented to him by the NLA President and Chairman of Council – Lbrn Pst. Dominic A. Omokaro on the 10th July, 2024 in Rivers State during the 62nd Annual Conference and AGM. Recently (on October 1st, 2024) he did a cover for the new Nigerian National Anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”, and this truly demonstrates his commitment not just to the NLA, but to musical excellence and national service.
Every time we sing “Literacy for All,” let it not just be a conclusion of the anthem, let it be us reaffirming our commitment to a more informed and enlightened Nigeria.
We can practice the anthem by incorporating it not only to professional gatherings, but our personal daily routines, library school, and connecting each line to the work we do as librarians.
WEAR YOUR PROFESSION!!! https://thedigital-librarian.com/product/wear-your-profession-with-pride/
Sylvester I. Ebhonu
Teenagers, Stakeholders Commend Convener, Mrs Christabel Ebhonu on Training Initiative
“This programme is intended to expose you to basic photography, Baking and ICT skills, and I hope that by the end of this programme, we would all leave here more empowered than we came.”
Those were the words of the Convener of the much-anticipated Teen-Stars Skills Training, Mrs. Christabel Ebhonu (a Multimedia Content Creator and Teens Coach). The 8-hour plus Skills Training Event which was held successfully on 21st August 2024 at Emmanuel Anglican Church, Ibusa was organized by BreakitDown Initiative for Teens, in collaboration with the Anglican Children Ministry (ACM), Ibusa Archdeaconry, Delta State.
Present at the event were Ven. Dr. Samson Anwasia, (Archdeacon of Ibusa Archdeaconry), Celestine Adimabua Okocha (ACM Zonal Chaplain), Mr. Sylvester Ebhonu (The Digital Librarian), Children Teachers, and other enthusiasts. The event attracted over 103 registered adolescents, with 65 attending. Participants were divided into three classes of their interests: Baking, ICT Skills, and Photography
While declaring the ceremony open, Ven. Dr. Samson Anwasia expressed his appreciation to the Convener, Mrs. Christabel Ebhonu, and her dedicated team. He emphasized the importance of acquiring skills alongside academic degrees while urging the participants to seize the learning opportunities presented to them by a young promising woman.
While briefing journalists, the convener, Mrs. Christabel, commended her instructors, participants and partners for their support. Presenting her Welcome Address during the event, she expressed satisfaction over the huge turnout. She said: “the event which coincided with her birthday, was her selfless commitment to catch adolescents young – It is better to catch them Young than repair them as adults. She noted that, empowering them with the necessary skills will make them to be job ready in future and become good citizens of the country. Speaking further during the event by one of the speakers, The ACM Chaplain, Celestine Okocha, also encouraged the teenagers to make the most of the training sessions.
In the words of Mrs. Christabel Ebhonu as she narrated more on the trainings at the event,
the ICT Class:
“Building Digital Literacy was part of the Skills training, and the ICT Class Instructor, Mr. Abiola Olaibi (an IT Expert and Event Planner), provided a comprehensive introduction to digital literacy and practical computer applications. He highlighted the importance of understanding and utilizing digital technologies effectively. He revealed basic tips on the impact of technology on society, online safety and etiquette, intensive hands-on on Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), Graphic design with Canva, amongst others. The training successfully empowered 21 students with the skills necessary to navigate the digital world securely and efficiently”.
“On Baking Skills Training: Fundamentals of Confectionery,
the baking Instructor, Mrs Adediwura Olaibi (Baker, Writer and Entrepreneur) said the baking class was a sweet success, with over 35 students learning the fundamentals of cake baking and pastry making. Participants gained hands-on experience baking vanilla butter and oil-based cakes and preparing buttercream icing”. The session concluded with a bonus exercise in making puff-puff, leaving the students with new skills and sweet treats.” The Photography class, which was handled by the Convener herself was also an enriching session.
Photography Class:
Apart from using slides and pictures to teach them, I introduced them to the essentials of camera handling, safety, and setting adjustments for various environments, including indoor and outdoor, day and night scenarios for photography and videography. Students also learned how to use and set the speed light. Each participant had the chance to practice with the camera, and more than half of them confidently demonstrated their ability to adjust camera settings based on environmental factors”.
On Celebrating Achievements,
Certificates of appreciation were presented to the instructors, and outstanding students received Best Student Awards: Onos Divine Great – Best Student in ICT Skills, George Blessing Ezekiel – Best Student in Baking, Obiefule Chukwuka Great- Best Student in Photography”. According to her, the feedback from the participants were also assessed as they shared the fears and concerns they had before the class started. The Teens expressed excitement and commended the Convener for all they have learned and how it would impact on their lives going forward.
“Indeed, the Teen-Stars Skills Training turned out to be not just a skills acquisition programme, but a platform that ignited the dreams of adolescents present, and I really do hope that this experience would shapen their future for good.” She concluded.
Kudos to Mrs. Ebhonu and her team for putting together such a remarkable event! Highpoint of the event was a Birthday Surprise in honour of Mrs. Christabel Ebhonu pulled by her husband, Mr. Sylvester Ebhonu, as all participants gathered for a final group photograph and celebration. See more photos here
LRCN Inducted 69 Certified Librarians at Rivers State University
The Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) inducted 69 new certified librarians at the Rivers State University in Port Harcourt, who are graduates from both Rivers State University and Ignatius Ajuru University on Friday, 12th of July, 2024. This historic event marked a significant milestone for the library profession in the South-South region, bringing the total number of certified and registered librarians in Nigeria to 8,382.
Adding to the significance of the event, the President and Chairman of Council NIGERIAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION declared that librarians will now use the title “Lbrn” as their professional designation, similar to other professional associations in Nigeria. Therefore, the President
will now be addressed as Lbrn (Pastor) Dominic Omokaro, FNLA, F.CIoD, FCAI, CLN.
As the new Lbrns embark on their careers, they carry with them the responsibility of upholding the highest standards of the profession. With the LRCN’s rigorous accreditation and the NLA’s guidance, these young professionals are poised to make valuable contributions to their communities and the nation as a whole.
The induction ceremony was well attended by the leadership of the Rivers State University, Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN), the national and state leadership of the Nigeria Library Association, lectures from the Rivers State University and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, the inductees, students, parents, and members of the pen profession.
“BusinessDay gathered that in the US, Librarians are paid a minimum of $55,000 (N85m) per year, but the status of a librarian starts from Master’s Degree…” 
Congratulations to the newly Certified Librarians as they step into ‘librarianship’.
Detecting AI Content may get better with OpenAI’s Watermarking Feature
Unlike when OpenAI first released ChatGPT3, its actually now encouraging to see AI developers taking steps towards improved transparency, just like the recent update of OpenAI’s development of a text watermarking method to detect AI-generated content. The report claims that the new watermarking tool is 99.9% effective at identifying ChatGPT’s output, but OpenAI has yet to release it. However, we can learn more about the report here: OpenAI has built a text watermarking method to detect ChatGPT-written content — company has mulled its release over the past year.
My concern though, is about the part that mentioned that a professor once failed an entire class after their AI detection tool incorrectly flagged all student papers as AI-generated. Let us not forget that there are past cases of where AI Detection tools like TurnitIn and GPTzero have given an unfair judgement about contents generated with AI.
So, as this new-found love by many students and scholars (AI Technology) continues to evolve, we must all take care, especially Librarians. Library and Information Professionals should be at the forefront of AI Literacy. Let us not stop teaching our students and library users the implications of not using AI responsibly.
Over here, we’re still promoting the #ResponsibleUseofAICampiagn. Reach out, and we’ll implement the Responsible Use of AI Webinar at your Institution, for your Staff/Students.
The Value of Librarians: LRCN’s Situation Could be a Call
The Value of Librarians: LRCN’s Situation Could be a Call – By Sylvester Ebhonu
As reported by THE WHISTLER about 3 months ago, “Life has become very difficult for members of staff of the Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) since the Federal Government removed the parastatal from Budget Funding.” However, in a startling turn of events, LRCN staff recently appeared on the popular Brekete Family programme (a prominent Nigerian talk show advocating for the rights of the oppressed) to voice their concerns over non-payment of salaries since January 2024 till date. Link to the Complete Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5F__OOtJPU.
Sylvester Ebhonu (The Digital Librarian and digital skills advocate), has released a reaction video titled: What Value Do Librarians Bring? | TheDL’s Reaction Video: LRCN Staff & Brekete Family featuring key highlights from that programme held on the 30th of July, 2024.
This development has caused a stir in the library and information science (LIS) sector in Nigeria, raising critical questions about the value and future of librarianship in our country. The situation actually demands a reflective examination of the value librarians bring to society and the objective changes that are required to uphold essential roles librarians play.
CLICK TO WATCH ON
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What is the Root of the Crisis and Public Perception of Librarians?
According to the LRCN staff on the programme, led by the chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, LRCN Unit, Prince Gambari Shuaib Siyanbola, Christopher Uwague and others. They allege that in June 2023, the Federal Government informed 56 agencies, including the LRCN, TRCN and others, that funding would cease effective from 2024. Despite assurances from management that the Ministry of Education, which oversees the LRCN, would address the issue, LRCN staff have continued working without pay for several months.
This case not only reflects the immediate financial distress they face but also raises questions about the perceived value of librarians and efficacy of the LRCN. For instance, one of the most striking part of the video was the confusion about the term “librarian” itself. Consultant Iyke who was moderating the session had to consult a dictionary to correctly pronounce the word, highlighting a significant public relations challenge facing the profession. This misconception extends beyond mere pronunciation; it reflects a broader lack of understanding about the role and value of librarians in modern society.
As noted by Consultant Dr. Iyke Ezeugo who moderated the programme, there’s a perception that libraries and librarians have not kept pace with technological advancements. He criticized leadership for not adapting to recent developments, suggesting that LRCN may have been seen as “idle” by the government and the situation may be likened to what happened to NIPOST.
Interestingly, this perception gap is not peculiar to Nigeria only. A 2016 Pew Research Center study found that while 77% of Americans say libraries provide them with the resources they need, many are unaware of the full range of services libraries offer. This global challenge stresses the need for librarians to deliberately showcase and communicate their value in the era that we’re now in.
Now what questions are arising from all these? I’ve compiled a summary of ten (10) alarming questions some professionals are actually asking:
- Why was LRCN selected among the 56 agencies?
- What does this decision say about the public and government’s perception of librarians and information professionals?
- Are library services in Nigeria perceived as elitist?
- Are Libraries under-valued in Nigeria?
- What role can Public Services Librarians play in all these?
- Should the correct spelling and pronunciation of ‘Librarian’ be infused in LIS curriculum?
- How can Nigerian libraries and librarians increase their visibility?
- Are these issues, not excluding leadership, a mere foretaste of what is yet to come?
- How can the library community respond to this crisis effectively?
- Could the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) take a more active role in setting standards, advocating for librarians’ rights and promoting the value of the profession similar to the efforts of the American Library Association (ALA) and the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA)?
My Ten Kobo
This situation serves as a reminder that the role of librarians must evolve to remain relevant in the 21st century. Modern librarians are no longer just cataloguers and custodians of books; they are information professionals, Data Curators and Managers, Digital Literacy Educators, Archivists/Record Managers, and Community and Cultural Heritage Builders. The ALA Core Competences of Librarianship policy is one document I believe Nigerian Librarians can similarly adapt to begin to align themselves with these evolving roles and better communicate to the public and stakeholders. See also, a presentation delivered by Sylvester Ebhonu at Navigating Tomorrow: Redefining Librarianship (An Exclusive Webinar for LIS Students).
On final thoughts, if you don’t empower them, don’t blame them. Government must start taking responsibility for many challenges we face today. Professionals (especially Librarians) on the other hand must understand that for them to remain relevant, the new culture should be Continuous Learning and Upskilling in areas such as data science, library automation, and emerging technologies (Artificial Intelligence, etc).
LRCN challenge today is more than just a salary issue; it’s a CALL for the entire library and information science profession in Nigeria.
Watch the complete Video on Brekete Family Channel!
Watch the Digital Librarian’s Reaction Video Here!
How you react after reading and watching these videos will determine whether libraries will remain relevant, valued institutions or actually reflect ‘public opinion.’ So, please, Share your thoughts. How do you think librarians can better demonstrate their value to stakeholders and the public in today’s digital age? How can we collaborate, what individual/collective efforts can we bring together to amplify our message?
Onward to Greatness!
The Digital Librarian
Head, E-Service and Reference/Marketing Departments
Delta State University of Science and Technology Library, Ozoro
Have any Questions? Learn more at the Upskill and Connect Village Share with others.
Sources:
Anthropic (2024). Claud 3.5 Sonnet. [Large language model] https://claude.ai/
Brekete Family [@breketefamily]. (2024). Brekete family live program 30th July 2024. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5F__OOtJPU
ALA (2023). ALA’s Core Competencies of Librarianship. https://www.ala.org/educationcareers/careers/corecomp/corecompetences
Horrigan, J. B. (2016). Libraries 2016. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2016/09/09/libraries-2016/
The Digital Librarian [@thedigitallibr]. (2023). Navigating tomorrow: Redefining librarianship (an exclusive webinar for LIS students). Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/live/1j41MqB8eqM
Are Academic Journals really a Lucrative Scam?
I recently came across a thought-provoking article on The Guardian by Arash Abizadeh, titled “Academic journals are a lucrative scam – and we’re determined to change that.” This article sheds light on the exploitative practices of the big five academic publishers: Elsevier, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, Springer Nature, and SAGE. These publishers generate billions in revenue, with profit margins that often surpass tech giants like Google, all while relying on the unpaid labor of academics.
Abizadeh highlights how these publishers charge exorbitant fees for access to journals, making it difficult for universities and the public to access essential research. The article discusses the impact of these practices on the academic community and the broader public, emphasizing the need for a shift towards “diamond” open access models. These models eliminate the financial burden on authors, editors, and readers, making research freely accessible to all.
“The commercial stranglehold on academic publishing is doing considerable damage to our intellectual and scientific culture. As disinformation and propaganda spread freely online, genuine research and scholarship remains gated and prohibitively expensive…”
I encourage you to read the full article here and share your thoughts on the writer’s opinions. How do you think we can collectively move towards a more equitable academic publishing system?
Let’s discuss it!
Is open science and publishing really the way to go?
