Role of the Library in the Promotion and Sustenance of Various Levels of Environmental Literacy: Focus on Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to x-ray the conventional and emerging responsibilities of the library in the promotion and sustenance of the three levels of Environmental Literacy and make appropriate recommendations. The provision of relevant print and non-print materials, multimedia resources and the creation of reading/reference sections/space for beneficiaries at the respective environmental literacy education levels are highlighted among the essential roles the library must perform. In this regard, Nigeria’s provision in her National Policy on Education for the establishment of Virtual/Digital libraries alongside the conventional libraries is considered a commendable and positive move worthy of emulation for effective promotion and sustenance of environmental literacy education. In view of the enormity of financial resources required to set up effective and efficient libraries, the creation of a special vote-head in government annual budgets as a major source of the required funds is one of the recommendations made in this paper.

Keywords: Conventional Library, Virtual/Digital Library, Environmental Literacy Levels.