EXAMINING THE ROLE OF LIBRARIES IN BRIDGING KNOWLEDGE GAP IN NIGERIA: A SOCIOLOGICAL DISCOURSE

Abstract

This study is a position paper that examined the roles of libraries in bridging knowledge gap in Nigeria from a sociological perspective. It was aimed at advancing rapid knowledge and encouraging exponential societal growth with the library playing a pivotal role. The discourse was anchored on the functionalist theory by Talcott Parsons (1951). The paper deployed ex post facto as its research design. The materials for this study were generated through secondary sources such as journals, text books, book chapters, newspapers and internet sources. Literature were critically analysed using relational content analysis to prove the importance of libraries in promoting intellectual freedom and preserving indigenous knowledge. The outcome of the interrogation showed that libraries are no longer just a place where books are stored but an institution that is saddled with the responsibility of acquisition and dissemination of information to bridge the knowledge gap in the society. It was further highlighted that insufficient funding, limited access to digital resources, lack of corroboration and lack of skilled professionals are some of the challenges of libraries towards achieving its full potential as a catalyst in bridging the gap in acquisition of knowledge and its transfer. It was concluded that the ability of the library to serve as a knowledge-divide in the society is anchored on its ability to balance the integration and dissemination of knowledge to encourage societal growth. It was, therefore, recommended that there is need for increased government and non-government funding, leveraging on digital tools, establishment of more local libraries, grassroots sensitisation and partnership strengthening among key players such as libraries, governments, and private sectors.