Advocacy in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of Selected Academic Libraries in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated advocacy in selected academic libraries in the southwest in order to ascertain methods used and challenges faced in the course of advocating for their libraries with possible solutions. It has become necessary to create awareness and also make our libraries visible to the world so that they can be supported in cash and kind. This enables librarians provide the necessary service hence patronage is encouraged. The study adopted a survey research design with two sets of questionnaire(s) which had 34 and 25 items respectively and interview. Random selection of the population comprised of two hundred and seventy seven (277) librarians (professionals and paraprofessionals) and library users mostly lecturers’ from different departments from the University of Ibadan, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Obafemi Awolowo, University Ile Ife and Lead City University Ibadan respectively. Results showed that all the academic libraries in this study have not started advocacy, do not have advocacy plan in their strategic objectives. Therefore, librarians and other library personnel ought to be sent for trainings, workshops and seminars to equip them for advocacy activities. The study recommended that similar study be carried out in other academic libraries across Nigeria to enable librarians understand its importance.