The Role of Libraries in the Development and Implementation of National Information Policy in Nigeria

Abstract

The Library has a big role to play in national development. Consequently to guide in taking the advantage of the information resources at its disposal, it is pertinent for professionals with the requisite knowledge and competence at all levels to oversee the collection, management and dissemination of information. Library is an important institution in designing the establishment of an information policy since it has the expertise as an information provider. Hence, every country always consider library as being central and an essential counterpart in information policy because only the library knows and understands the type of information to provide to meet the needs of the government for developing the nation. In light of this, library is thus always at the forefront of monitoring the direction of information policy. However, not all institutions are able to see the importance of library. The purpose of this paper is to review literature in information policy.The study defined information policy and discussed information environment as well as information policy instrument in Nigeria. An overview of the historical background of National policy of information was given. The paper also indicated that the role of library should not be abandoned, but should instead be returned to its place, in other to come to a holistic, balanced and reasonable information policy.

Keywords:Library, Information Policy, Knowledge society, information technology.