Librarians must embrace AI to stay relevant – Association
By Funmilayo Adeyemi
The Nigerian Library Association (NLA) has called on librarians across the country to embrace innovation and reposition themselves for relevance in an era defined by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and rapid technological change.
The Immediate Past President of the association, Dr Dominic Omokaro, made the call in Abuja on Saturday at the 2025 Annual Dinner and Award Night of the NLA.
The event had as its theme: “The Library, the Librarian and Society in the Age of Innovation: The Challenge of Relevance”.
Omokaro stressed that while digital transformation is reshaping knowledge management and access, librarians must not lose sight of the profession’s enduring values of service, integrity, and knowledge preservation.
He said: “We live in a time defined by Artificial Intelligence and technological change. For librarians to remain relevant, we must adapt to these innovations while holding firmly to the essence of our calling”.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive of Havilah Group, Mr Lanre Adesuyi, described libraries as indispensable pillars of national progress and called for the completion of the long-abandoned National Library of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja.
Adesuyi, who chaired the occasion, said: “In today’s world where information is the new currency of progress, the role of libraries and librarians has evolved beyond traditional boundaries.”
He further described the library as “a living hub of knowledge, ideas, innovation, and societal transformation” and the librarian as “a navigator, guide, and innovator helping society make sense of overwhelming information”.
While celebrating awardees for excellence in the profession, he underscored the urgent need to complete the National Library’s headquarters, which had remained uncompleted for more than two decades.
“The project, originally envisioned as a national symbol of intellectual pride, has instead become a metaphor for neglect.
“How can we truly speak of innovation, of global competitiveness, and of national pride, when our own National Library stands unfinished?”
Adesuyi appealed to the Federal Government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, to prioritise the completion of the project without further delay.
In her keynote address, Prof. Roseline Echezona discussed numerous challenges facing Nigerian libraries.
She said these include “limitations in physical infrastructure, reimagining the library in the digital age, a significant digital divide, and the lack of programmes promoting a vibrant reading culture”.
She called for “adequate investment in infrastructure and supportive policy to bridge the digital divide”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to distinguished library professionals, including fellows and brand ambassadors.
It also featured the investiture of the new President of NLA, Dr Lawal Umar. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
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