Financing Libraries and Information Centres for Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria: The Bakassi Case

Abstract

In February 2008 a unique community library and information centre was established in Ikang - a rural area designated as a camp for persons displaced by the ceding of Bakassi, This paper summarizes and analyzes sources and trends of funds ensued to the centre and provides suggestions on ways of sustaining the funds. There has been a decline in frequency of funds ensued to the centre over the years and government funding has been precarious. The centre is tapping into all areas of private funding sources ranging from endowment, NGOs, donation, gifts to fund raising activities.  The latter has have become a mainstay in the budget mix of the centre. Through these integrated creative approach the centre has been able to provide superior services to its community of users

Keywords: Nigeria. Bakassi, internally displaced persons, information centre, library, funding