Digital Libraries in Nigeria’s New Age: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

The development of digital libraries has brought about changes in the mode of service delivery 
and the way library information is accessed and disseminated. However, their operation is 
influenced by various factors, including emerging technologies, user needs and organizational 
contexts. This paper, therefore, discussed the concepts of new age and digital libraries, and the 
requirements for digital library operations in the new age. It also examined the prospects of 
digital libraries which focused on the expected roles of libraries/librarians, the quality of 
information resources and services, access to information resources in digital format, users‟ 
satisfaction with digital library systems as well as digital preservation of local contents. The 
challenges affecting the smooth running of digital libraries such as poor funding, lack of digital 
facilities, inadequate number of librarians with digital technology skills, etc. were highlighted. 
Suggestions for improvement such as improved funding for libraries, provision of training 
opportunities for librarians in ICT, acquisition of state-of-the-art facilities, etc. were also 
provided to ameliorate the situation.