Anambra Eyes Digital Library Where Books Will Be Freely Accessible Online

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Anambra State Government has revealed plans to operate digital library services where books, journals, newspapers and other publications will be freely and digitally accessible from anywhere in the state.

The state's Commissioner for Information, Mr. C-Don Adinuba disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2021 Conference of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) Anambra State Chapter, which held at the Prof. Kenneth Dike State E-Library, Awka.

He commended the activities and great achievements of the Anambra State Library Board under the leadership of Dr. Nkechi Udeze;  highlighted some of the feats recorded in Education under the current Governor Willie Obiano-led Administration in the state, and reiterated the state government's resolve and commitment towards promoting learning and education in the state. He also revealed that the State Government will specially recognize and award the Library Director Dr. Udeze, as well 450 other persons who have projected the image of the state over the years in February 2022, among whom Dr. Udeze's name also appears.

Earlier in her address of welcome, the Chairman, Nigerian Library Association and Director, Anambra State Library Board, Dr. Nkechi Udeze, who described the annual conference as a great opportunity for librarians to physically meet and discuss their affairs and those of the libraries, with primary aim of improving in their services.

While explaining that the theme of the event “Innovative Digital Practices: Transformation Libraries for Information Service Sustainability” was well thought, she opined that libraries need to be proactive and engage in a continuous innovation aimed at improving information creation, repackaging and dissemination, to measure up with trends in information platform that will make them remain relevant in society; as according to her, “digital practices will aid in optimal performance, adequate information delivery and visibility of the library.”

The Chairman of the Occasion and former Director of the Anambra State Library Board, Barr. Chris Onebunne described librarians as the custodians of knowledge and information, and advised them to always pass on the information for libration of humanity and the society.

In her keynote address, Prof. Ebele Anyaoku, whose lecture was delivered by Dr. Evang. Mrs. Orakpor dissected the theme of the event, rolled out the expectations of libraries in a digital environment, and concluded that global library shift to digital and remote access to information is sounding the bell that libraries in Nigeria need to develop new emphasis on collections and services, re-evaluate their services in the new reality and prioritize innovative digital practices as enumerated, for service sustainability in the digital age.

In their separate remarks, MD/CEO Anambra State Signage and Advertisment Agency, Chief Jude Emecheta hailed the State Library for their progress over the last nine years he has known them, and encouraged the public to always take advantage of the library and its services; while the Senior Special Assistant on Secondary Education to the Governor, Dr. Paul Ifeanyi described Library as a best place to be, and called for change in Nigerian government's poor attention to education.

The event featured presentation of NLA special recognition award to the MD/CEO of Seahorse company, Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo who is an Ihembosi-born philanthropist international business mogul and great promoter of education.

Others who spoke at the event include the acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Tony Nwaeke; members of the NLA, Anambra, Mr. Ralph Nwamefor and Dr. Victoria Ezejiofor.

Anambra State Government has revealed plans to operate digital library services where books, journals, newspapers and other publications will be freely and digitally accessible from anywhere in the state.

The state's Commissioner for Information, Mr. C-Don Adinuba disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2021 Conference of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) Anambra State Chapter, which held at the Prof. Kenneth Dike State E-Library, Awka.

He commended the activities and great achievements of the Anambra State Library Board under the leadership of Dr. Nkechi Udeze;  highlighted some of the feats recorded in Education under the current Governor Willie Obiano-led Administration in the state, and reiterated the state government's resolve and commitment towards promoting learning and education in the state. He also revealed that the State Government will specially recognize and award the Library Director Dr. Udeze, as well 450 other persons who have projected the image of the state over the years in February 2022, among whom Dr. Udeze's name also appears.

Earlier in her address of welcome, the Chairman, Nigerian Library Association and Director, Anambra State Library Board, Dr. Nkechi Udeze, who described the annual conference as a great opportunity for librarians to physically meet and discuss their affairs and those of the libraries, with primary aim of improving in their services.

While explaining that the theme of the event “Innovative Digital Practices: Transformation Libraries for Information Service Sustainability” was well thought, she opined that libraries need to be proactive and engage in a continuous innovation aimed at improving information creation, repackaging and dissemination, to measure up with trends in information platform that will make them remain relevant in society; as according to her, “digital practices will aid in optimal performance, adequate information delivery and visibility of the library.”

The Chairman of the Occasion and former Director of the Anambra State Library Board, Barr. Chris Onebunne described librarians as the custodians of knowledge and information, and advised them to always pass on the information for libration of humanity and the society.

In her keynote address, Prof. Ebele Anyaoku, whose lecture was delivered by Dr. Evang. Mrs. Ada Orakpor dissected the theme of the event, rolled out the expectations of libraries in a digital environment, and concluded that global library shift to digital and remote access to information is sounding the bell that libraries in Nigeria need to develop new emphasis on collections and services, re-evaluate their services in the new reality and prioritize innovative digital practices as enumerated, for service sustainability in the digital age.

In their separate remarks, MD/CEO Anambra State Signage and Advertisment Agency, Chief Jude Emecheta hailed the State Library for their progress over the last nine years he has known them, and encouraged the public to always take advantage of the library and its services; while the Senior Special Assistant on Secondary Education to the Governor, Dr. Paul Ifeanyi described Library as a best place to be, and called for change in Nigerian government's poor attention to education.

The event featured presentation of NLA special recognition award to the MD/CEO of Seahorse company, Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo who is an Ihembosi-born philanthropist international business mogul and great promoter of education.

Others who spoke at the event include the acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Tony Nwaeke; members of the NLA, Anambra, Mr. Ralph Nwamefor and Dr. Victoria Ezejiofor.