Blended Librarianship as a Fulcrum for Librarians’ Relevance in a Developing Country

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1Goodluck Ifijeh*, 2Roland Izuagbe, 3Oluwatoyin Omoyeni Fawole, and 4Julie Ilogho

Library Progress International

Vol.43, No.2, July-December 2023: P.125-130

DOI: 10.48165/bpas.2023.43.2.1

 

Original Article
Description

Description

1Goodluck Ifijeh*, 2Roland Izuagbe, 3Oluwatoyin Omoyeni Fawole, and 4Julie Ilogho

Author’s Affiliation:

1Centre for Learning Resources, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria

2Centre for Learning Resources, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria

3Bells University of Technology Library, Ota, Nigeria

4Centre for Learning Resources, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria

 

*Corresponding Author: Goodluck Ifijeh, Centre for Learning Resources, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria

E-mail: goodluck.ifijeh@covenantuniversity.edu.ng

 

(Received on 11.01.2023, Revised on 29.04.2023, Approved on 09.06.2023, Accepted on 19.06.2023, Published on 21.12.2023)

Abstract
The paper examined the emergence and important role of blended librarianship as a fulcrum of relevance for librarians in Nigerian universities. It x-rayed the global trends in blended librarianship vis-à-vis the Nigerian situation. Furthermore, the study considered perceived challenges libraries may be confronted with in deploying relevant ICT infrastructure geared towards transitioning from traditional to hybrid services provision for the successful implementation of blended librarianship. The paper recommended the design and implementation of an appropriate framework for the development of ICTs in Nigerian universities, urgency in the acquisition of new skill sets by academic librarians in Nigeria, while also calling on relevant stakeholders to review the current curricula of Nigerian library schools to reflect current realities in the work place. KEYWORDS: Blended Librarianship, Blended Learning, Librarians, Nigerian Universities, University libraries.