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NIGERIAN LIBRARIES ON THE MAP FOR VISIBILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY
OVERVIEW
Nigeria is facing a growing decline in reading culture, despite the huge role libraries are playing in managing and providing access to knowledge. Could this be because many users do not know where to find the resources that they need, or because libraries themselves do not have sufficient visibility and accessibility? How many people know the location of libraries within their communities or institutions?
How many libraries in Nigeria and Africa are visible and accessible for effective use by the public? Efforts such as IFLA Library Map, Library Tracker and AfLIA’s African Librarysites have recorded significant impact in showcasing libraries both at global and regional levels. However, to help us understand Nigeria’s peculiar challenges and address them better, we have launched an ongoing pre-survey targeted at library stakeholders for the Locate my Library (LML) Project.
WHY LML?
Based on our preliminary observations, the Locate my Library project, an initiative of the Librarian Spotlight Africa (LSA) facilitated by Sylvester Ebhonu (The Digital Librarian), Optimistic Scholar, Local Guides and the Nigerian Library Association, aims “to empower librarians in Nigeria, and potentially Africa, to bridge the visibility and accessibility gaps that libraries face through Google Maps and Business Profile Listings (formerly Google My Business).” The campaign is targeted at Librarians and Information Professions, Staff in Nigerian Libraries and eventually to libraries across Africa.
The initiative encourages libraries to adopt a business mindset by incorporating strategies that make their services more visible and engaging, more like putting a physical store in front of people to see, and a global and simple platform like Google helps to achieve this.
The project name ‘Locate my Library‘ is used for descriptive purposes only and does not imply any affiliation with, endorsement, or sponsorship by Google LLC.
Official Hashtags: #LocatemyLibrary #LibrariesontheMap #LML #NigerianLibraries #LibrariesMatters LibraryVisibility #GoogleMapsForLibraries #DigitalTransformation
WHY YOU SHOULD REGISTER?
- To acquire the skills needed to list and optimize your library’s presence in the online space for increased visibility
- To promote access to knowledge by helping library users easily locate and engage with library services.
- To acquire practical tools and support for effective digital marketing
The survey and registration for the Locate My Library (LML) project will be open from 9th December 2024 to 9th January 2025. Successful librarians/libraries will be contacted via email on the 20th of January 2025.
Leading up to the project’s conclusion at the end of November 2025, a series of webinars, exclusive workshops, and, where necessary, physical training sessions will be organised to empower librarians with the skills, guidance, and tools needed to create, optimize, and verify their libraries’ online presence while ensuring long-term impact through reviews and ongoing updates.
PROJECT TEAM
1. Sylvester I. Ebhonu (Capacity Builder, Digital Librarian and Coordinator, LML Campaign)
2. Dr. Ayodele Alonge (Librarian, Digital Transformation Researcher and Founder, Optimistic Scholar
3. Lbrn (Dr, Pst) Dominic Omokaro (President, Nigerian Library Association)
4. Mrs. Folasade Adepoju (Librarian and Cultural Sustainability Advocate)
5. Favour Occonor (Digital Strategist and Google Crowdsource Influencer)
6. Emeka Ulor (Lecturer and Moderator for the Google Maps volunteer program)
PROJECT VOLUNTEERS
Perpetua Ukwueze ; Dr. Oluchi C Okeke ; Mabawonku Temitope Oluwabunmi ; Dr. Bola Elizabeth Nwauwa ; Dr Lucky O. Urhiewhu ; Violet IKOLO ; Sotonye Orji ; Siddiqah Olatope Oyedokun (PhD) ; Adams Zubedat ; Dr. Esther Gani