Funding challenges of academic libraries in Nigeria and its implications for information service delivery

Abstract

The paper explores sources of funding academic libraries and the challenges of funding academic libraries in Nigeria respectively. Emphasis was laid on the sources of funding academic libraries such as government subvention,; internally generated revenue (IGR), library development levy (LDL), TETfund, Public-Private Partnership, Grants donation, endowment fund. The funds realized and generated through these sources are to be judiciously utilized for the purpose they are meant for e.g procurement of library collections, staff development, security issues, maintenance of library facilities, etc. Role of TETfund in the development of academic libraries were explicitly enumerated e.g construction and development of academic libraries, procurement of library collections and facilities, staff development conferences, workshops, inhouse training and formal professional programwere enumerated. Challenges to academic libraries funding include: inadequate and irregular funding,institutional management interference with library vote or diverting library funds to another projects. The effects of these funding challenges would result in the acute shortage of current and relevant collections, waste of resources and low level of productivity on the part of library staff in terms of Information services delivery. The paper concludes that with inadequate funding there is likelihood that academic libraries will be ill-equipped with facilities and high level of ICT skilled personnel and users. The paper recommends government’s adherence to UNIESCO standard of 26% budgetary allocation to education sector; public-private partnerships and consultancy services by academic libraries in Nigeria.