PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES OF COOPERATION AMONG LAW LIBRARIES IN A DIGITAL ERA: THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Current trends in information production and dissemination have made it practically impossible for any library, no matter how large, to acquire all the information resources it requires so satisfy the information needs of its patrons. While that vision may not yet be realisable, law libraries do have within their grasp the possibility of access to much more extensive collections than any one of them currently holds by forming cooperative alliance. The digital environment provides many new opportunities for library cooperation. This paper defines the concepts of ICT, library cooperation and law libraries. It also provides a brief historical background of library cooperative alliances around the globe. The importance of cooperation among law libraries in the digital era of change has also been discussed. Some basic areas of cooperation as regards law library routine services were itemized and explained. Challenges such as inadequate funding, information explosion, copyright barrier, etc. affecting successful library cooperation were enumerated and discussed. The paper recommends, among others, adequate funding of law libraries, adaptation to change by law librarians, and formulation of functional written collection development policies guide sustainable library cooperation.

Keywords: Prospects, Challenges, Cooperation, Law Libraries, Digital Era, Nigeria.