E‐library services: challenges and training needs of librarians in Nigeria

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to investigate the achievements of librarians from the workshop on e‐library services organized by the Librarians' Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) in collaboration with The United States Mission, Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 35 librarians purposively selected from universities, colleges of education, and polytechnic libraries participated in the study, which adopted semi‐structured interviews.FindingsIt emerged that librarians who participated in the workshop have been exposed to skills in areas such as database searching, using different search engines, using social media, knowledge of relevant websites, and knowledge of planning for e‐libraries. The participants are of the opinion that a workshop of this kind should be organized at least twice a year to upgrade librarians' skills on e‐library services in Nigeria.Practical implicationsLibrary associations in other developing countries can also partner with professionals from developed countries to organize workshops and seminars like this to equip librarians with the necessary skills to render e‐library services effectively and also to train users to use e‐resources effectively.Originality/valueThe paper reports skills the librarians have been exposed to through the workshop on e‐library services. Acquiring such skills will enable them effectively to use e‐resources and also train users on different search strategies.