THE ROLE OF LIBRARIES IN PRESERVING NIGERIAN CULTURE AND HERITAGE (A CASE STUDY OF UYO GENERAL LIBRARY)

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background To The Study

The way of life and heritage of a particular society are crucial to its existence, as it is their particular way of life that distinguishes them from each other. Their culture serves as the identity, pride and meaning of their existence as a society. This way of life is called culture.

 

Okpoko (2011) sees culture as a way of life that is acquired within society and passed on across generations. He also opined that culture consists of both material and immaterial aspects. Material culture refers to all concrete realities that humans have created and used in society. These include, among other things, products from industry, technology and art. Intangible culture is concerned with the aesthetics of all nature, belief systems and cultural expressions that correspond to roles, rules and norms.

 

Society as we know it was built over generations, each adding its knowledge and experiences to the stock already accumulated by previous generations. These are valued characteristic features of a society that are passed on from generation to generation through conscious preservation and are referred to as heritage. Heritage refers to the riches of extinct and extant aspects of societies that are of historical, educational, recreational and economic importance and are preserved and passed on from one generation to the next. Cultural heritage is divided into two categories based on its sources: environmental/natural heritage and cultural heritage. In recent years there has been increased interest and understanding of management and conservation.

The need has become even greater following recent man-made and/or natural disasters (e.g. war in Iraq, tsunami, earthquakes, fires, etc.). Therefore, now more than ever, it has been evident to relevant authorities at all levels that cultural heritage is important and therefore all necessary measures must be taken to ensure its preservation for future generations (Vassilakaki et al., 2019; Okpoko, 2011).

 

Therefore, according to Eluyemi (2002), conservation is defined as the promotion of cultural property, be it concrete or non-concrete in nature, past or present, written or unwritten/oral in nature. He further pointed out that conservation also includes the identification, documentation (appropriate registration) and proper storage of cultural objects, whether in private ownership, in museums or in libraries. Preserving the cultural heritage of various nations of the world has been a long-term commitment of libraries and information centers.

 

Libraries play a central role in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, a nation with a diverse range of ethnicities, languages and traditions. These institutions act as custodians of knowledge and house an extensive collection of literature, manuscripts and historical documents that reflect the diverse aspects of Nigerian culture.

Through their collections, libraries contribute significantly to documenting and preserving the country's cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations have access to a comprehensive understanding of their roots (Aina, 2004). A critical function of libraries in Nigeria is the preservation of indigenous languages. Nigeria is one of the most linguistically varied nations in the world, with over 500 different languages spoken.

 

Libraries actively collect and maintain literature in different languages, thereby contributing to the protection of linguistic diversity and preventing the loss of endangered languages. In addition, they play a role in promoting literacy and education and provide resources that enable individuals to engage with their cultural heritage through literature, folklore and traditional storytelling (Uzoigwe, 1996).

 

In addition to language preservation, libraries serve as hubs for cultural exchange and community engagement. They host events, exhibitions and workshops showcasing Nigerian art, music, dance and other cultural expressions. By providing a platform for artists, scholars and cultural workers, libraries contribute to the vitality and continuity of Nigeria's cultural heritage. In addition, these institutions often work with local communities and cultural organizations to increase their influence in preserving and celebrating Nigeria's diverse cultural spectrum (Oyelude, 2004).

 

 

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

The preservation of Nigerian culture and heritage through libraries faces multifaceted challenges that undermine the effectiveness of these institutions in fulfilling their crucial role. One significant problem is the lack of comprehensive and systematic documentation of various cultural elements. Many libraries struggle with limited access to materials that authentically represent the diverse ethnic groups, languages, and historical perspectives within Nigeria. The absence of a centralized effort to collect and curate these materials results in an incomplete representation of the nation's cultural mosaic, hindering the ability of libraries to provide a holistic view of Nigeria's heritage. Aina, L. O. (2004).

 

 

Furthermore, inadequate public awareness and engagement pose significant obstacles to the preservation efforts of libraries. Many individuals, particularly from younger generations, may not fully appreciate the importance of their cultural heritage or may lack awareness of the resources available in libraries. Insufficient community involvement and outreach initiatives contribute to a disconnect between libraries and the public, limiting the impact of these institutions in fostering a sense of cultural identity and pride. Addressing these issues is crucial to strengthen the role of libraries as dynamic repositories of Nigeria's cultural richness and to ensure the active participation of the community in the preservation process. Uzoigwe, G. N. (1996).Top of Form

 

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of the study is to examine the role of libraries in preserving Nigerian culture and heritage. Specific objectives of the study are:

1. 1.  To comprehensively assess the current state of libraries in Nigeria as repositories of cultural and heritage materials.
2. 2.  To analyze the effectiveness of library programs and initiatives in promoting and disseminating Nigerian culture and heritage.
3. To identify challenges and opportunities for Nigerian libraries in fulfilling their role as custodians of culture and heritage.

1.4 Research Questions

To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:

1. 1.  To what extent do Nigerian libraries reflect the diversity of cultural expressions and traditions across the country?
2. 2.  How effective are digitalization and other preservation techniques in safeguarding Nigerian cultural and heritage materials in libraries, and what are the potential barriers to their implementation?
3. How do libraries collaborate with communities and traditional custodians of culture to ensure the accurate and respectful representation of Nigerian heritage in their collections and programs?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:

Ho: There is no statistical significant relationship between libraries in preserving Nigerian culture and heritage.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:

Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Library Science sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.

Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analyzed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organization’s used as a case study.

Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study is delimited to Uyo General Library. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.

1.9 Organization of the Study

The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.

Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.

Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.

Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.

Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.

 

1.10         Definition of Terms

1. Library:
   A library is an organized space that provides access to collections of books, manuscripts, and digital resources for education, research, and cultural preservation.

 

1. Culture:
   Culture is the way of life of a society, including its traditions, beliefs, customs, and arts, passed down through generations.

 

1. Heritage:
   Heritage refers to the cultural, historical, and natural features of a society that are preserved and transmitted across generations.

 

1. Preservation:
   Preservation involves protecting and maintaining cultural and historical materials to ensure their longevity for future generations.

 

1. Cultural Preservation:
   Cultural preservation is the safeguarding of a society's identity through the protection of its traditions, languages, and artifacts.

 

1. Uyo General Library:
   The Uyo General Library is a public library in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, dedicated to promoting literacy and preserving local cultural heritage.

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