Professor Adamu Ahmed, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, made the call during the opening of the 5th National Conference organized by the Kashim Ibrahim Library at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN Centre of Excellence) in the university. He was represented by Professor Sunusi Aliyu Rafindadi, the university's Deputy Vice-Chancellor overseeing development, research, and innovation. Ahmed emphasized that new technologies are transforming how information is created, stored, and disseminated.
Ahmed urged libraries to evolve beyond being mere repositories of books, instead becoming centers for knowledge creation and scientific research support. He stressed that libraries must adapt to new technologies to remain relevant. The conference, themed "Repositioning Library and Information Systems for Sustainable Development: Leveraging AI, Emerging Technologies, and Lifelong Learning," brought together academics, researchers, information professionals, students, and other stakeholders.
Professor Mohammed Bashir Muazu, Director of ABU's Distance Learning Centre, also delivered a keynote address, advocating for the transformation of libraries into modern, technology-driven institutions. Muazu highlighted the need to address challenges such as inadequate power supply, poor internet connectivity, and insufficient infrastructure, while preserving cultural heritage and traditional knowledge.
Earlier, the university's librarian, Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi Mohammed, represented by Dr. Abdullahi Gambo Liman, emphasized the need to ensure that rural communities, people with special needs, and students without access to computers benefit from new technologies. The conference aims to bring together library staff, researchers, and technology experts to discuss ways to improve library services.
The two-day conference, chaired by Dr. Aminu Musa Umar, seeks to promote the adoption of AI and emerging technologies in libraries. The event features discussions on sustainable development, lifelong learning, and the future of library and information systems in Nigeria. Participants include academics, researchers, information professionals, and students.
Key stakeholders in attendance emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in driving innovation and sustainable development in the education sector. The conference provides a platform for experts to share best practices, research findings, and experiences in leveraging AI and emerging technologies to enhance library services and promote lifelong learning.
The outcome of the conference is expected to contribute to the development of a roadmap for the implementation of AI and emerging technologies in Nigerian libraries, ultimately enhancing access to information and promoting sustainable development. The event concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to work together to address the challenges facing libraries and information systems in Nigeria.
Key points
- The conference aimed to promote the adoption of AI and emerging technologies in libraries to enhance services and promote sustainable development.
- The Deputy Vice-Chancellor urged library staff and information professionals to adopt new technologies to improve their services.
- The conference brought together stakeholders to discuss ways to address challenges facing libraries and information systems in Nigeria.
