Abstract

Academic libraries worldwide are increasingly embracing digital technologies as a means of improving information dissemination and service delivery. Consequently, many academic libraries are migrating from the traditional format to digital libraries in order to meet the demands of the 21st-century information age. The advent of technology has radically transformed the operations of academic libraries, making digital facilities central to effective information service provision. This revolution has prompted libraries and allied institutions to embark on digitization projects to enhance access, preservation, and global information sharing. Digital libraries now play a pivotal role in the information environment through the creation, organization, and utilization of digital resources. This paper examines the roles digital libraries play in information service delivery within academic libraries. It highlights the importance and objectives of digital libraries, the emerging role of digital librarians, and the major challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of skilled digital librarians, and obsolete technological facilities. The study recommends that academic libraries in Nigeria should be adequately funded to sustain digital projects and acquire up-to-date technologies. Continuous training and retraining of librarians in digital skills should be prioritized to enhance efficiency in service delivery. Furthermore, collaborative initiatives such as resource sharing, partnerships with ICT vendors, and adoption of open-source technologies are essential for overcoming infrastructural and financial barriers. By implementing these measures, academic libraries can strengthen their capacity to provide innovative, user-centered, and sustainable digital information services.