CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background To The Study
A modern academic library is no longer expected to play the role of a repository of information, but rather to act as an intermediary in the creation, dissemination and use of knowledge. Academic librarians are placing more emphasis on research-oriented services such as information organization and retrieval, citation management, data management, electronic publishing, and other services that can improve the quality of research output in academic institutions (Sewell & Kingsley, 2017; Moruf & Dangani, 2020).
The ability of academic libraries to achieve their goal of helping researchers effectively use available information resources to create new knowledge now depends on how well librarians are familiar with and can use new technologies to facilitate all aspects of research support. The advent of information technology and remote access to information resources and other research tools have led to questions about the relevance of library services in the research process (Momoh & Folorunso, 2019; Arumuru, 2020). Libraries in Nigerian universities play a central role in promoting research and innovation, two crucial elements for academic excellence and national development.
As higher education institutions in Nigeria strive to improve their global competitiveness, university libraries have evolved beyond traditional book archives to become dynamic centers that support research, encourage innovation and provide access to resources that advance academic research. The role of university libraries in this context is diverse and includes not only the provision of print and digital resources, but also the promotion of information literacy, access to technology and the creation of spaces for collaborative research.
These libraries are critical to fostering a culture of knowledge creation and dissemination within the academic community and contribute to the national goals of innovation and sustainable development. In Nigerian universities, libraries support research by providing access to a wide range of academic materials. This includes magazines, databases, e-books and other digital resources. These resources are critical for researchers who need up-to-date information to do their work and significantly improve the quality of research output. The rapid growth of digital resources and information technologies has changed the landscape of academic research, making it easier for researchers to access global knowledge and engage in groundbreaking innovations.
Libraries also play a central role in managing institutional repositories where research outputs, including theses, dissertations and journal articles, are archived and made available to the public, thereby promoting the visibility of Nigerian research at the global level. As such, libraries are not just passive repositories, but active facilitators of scholarly communication and research collaboration. In addition, university libraries in Nigeria help promote innovation by providing access to advanced technology, spaces for creative work and support for entrepreneurial initiatives.
Many libraries have established co-working spaces and innovation labs that encourage students and faculty to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, technology development, and entrepreneurial activities. Libraries serve as catalysts for turning concepts into practical inventions that help solve regional and worldwide issues by offering such areas and resources.
Additionally, libraries support research innovation by organizing workshops, seminars, and training sessions that help students and staff develop the skills they need to navigate the evolving research and technology landscape. These initiatives also foster a culture of continuous learning, which is essential to driving long-term innovation. Despite the central role that libraries play in research and innovation, there are challenges that limit their effectiveness in some Nigerian universities.
These challenges include inadequate funding, aging infrastructure and a lack of qualified staff to manage digital resources and services. However, several universities in Nigeria have made remarkable progress in overcoming these obstacles by implementing strategic plans to modernize libraries, forging partnerships with international research networks, and advocating for greater investment in library services.
As the Nigerian higher education sector continues to evolve, the role of libraries in supporting research and innovation is becoming increasingly indispensable. Future advancements in university libraries will increase their capacity to support the nation's academic and technological advancement, especially those aimed at enhancing digital literacy, upgrading infrastructure, and expanding access to international research networks.
1.2 Statement Of The Problem
In Nigerian universities, despite the growing importance of libraries in supporting research and fostering innovation, many challenges hinder their full potential in these areas. These challenges include inadequate funding, outdated technological infrastructure, and limited access to modern digital resources, which impede the ability of libraries to provide the necessary support for high-quality research. Furthermore, there is often a lack of trained personnel to manage and maintain the growing digital and technological resources, which are crucial for advancing research capabilities. While some Nigerian universities have made strides in integrating modern technologies into their library systems, the overall disparity in resource allocation and infrastructure development remains a significant barrier to the libraries' role as facilitators of research and innovation. As universities face increasing pressure to improve their global rankings, the need for libraries to evolve into dynamic research hubs becomes even more urgent.
Additionally, there is insufficient attention paid to the role of university libraries in cultivating an innovative culture within the academic community. Although many libraries are equipped with basic research tools, there is a lack of dedicated spaces for innovation, collaborative work, and entrepreneurship, which are essential for nurturing new ideas and facilitating interdisciplinary research. Libraries in Nigerian universities are often underutilized as platforms for innovation due to the absence of such spaces, coupled with limited access to funding for innovation-driven projects. This underdevelopment restricts the potential for libraries to serve as essential catalysts for research and innovation in Nigerian universities. Addressing these issues will require strategic investments in library infrastructure, training programs for staff, and partnerships with local and international research networks to enable libraries to better support research and innovation in higher education (Bello, 2021; Olatokun, 2019).Top of Form
Bottom of Form
1.3 Objectives Of The Study
The main objective of the study is to examine Exploring the Role of Libraries in Supporting Research and Innovation in Nigerian Universities. Specific objectives of the study are:
- To assess the extent to which Nigerian university libraries provide adequate resources and services to support research and innovation.
- To identify the challenges faced by Nigerian university libraries in supporting research and innovation.
- To explore strategies for enhancing the role of Nigerian university libraries in supporting research and innovation.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- What types of resources are available to researchers in Nigerian university libraries?
- What are the major challenges faced by Nigerian university libraries in acquiring, organizing, and providing access to research materials?
- 3. What strategies can be implemented to improve the availability and accessibility of research materials in Nigerian university libraries?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: There is no significant relationship between the role of university libraries and the support of research and innovation in Nigerian universities.
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 analysed 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 organisations 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 Uniuyo Main 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. Academic Libraries
Academic libraries are specialized libraries found in universities and other higher education institutions, providing resources and services to support the research, teaching, and learning needs of students, faculty, and researchers. These libraries typically offer access to physical books, journals, digital resources, and specialized collections.
2. Research Support
Research support refers to the assistance provided by libraries in facilitating the research process. This includes offering access to academic databases, journals, and books, as well as providing training in research methods, citation management, and data organization.
3. Innovation
Innovation in the context of higher education refers to the development of new ideas, products, services, or processes that improve academic practices, technology, and societal impact. Libraries play a role by fostering a creative environment for students and faculty, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and providing resources that stimulate innovative thinking.
4. Information Literacy
Information literacy is the ability to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively use information. In the context of libraries, information literacy education equips students and researchers with the necessary skills to navigate academic databases, critically assess sources, and integrate information into their research and projects.
5. Digital Resources
Digital resources refer to electronic formats of academic materials, including e-books, journals, databases, and multimedia content. These resources are crucial in modern research, offering easy access to global information and enhancing the efficiency of academic work in Nigerian universities.
6. Research Collaboration
Research collaboration involves the partnership between individuals or institutions in a shared academic project or research initiative. Libraries support collaboration by providing tools, space, and resources that enable researchers from different fields or institutions to work together on innovative projects.
7. Open Access
Open access refers to the practice of making academic research and publications freely available to the public, without subscription fees or other access barriers. Libraries in Nigerian universities can promote open access initiatives by providing platforms for disseminating research and ensuring equitable access to scholarly knowledge.
