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Nigerian Library and Information Science Review

National Library of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter

ISSN 0189-4412 (PRINT)ISSN 2958-4566 (ONLINE)
Sunlit reading room of a national library
Volume 32, No. 1 • 2026

Nigerian Library and Information Science Review — Nigerian Library and Information Science Review

NLISR is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to advancing scholarship in library and information science, digital preservation, archival practice, information literacy, and knowledge management, with a focus on Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

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Latest Articles

Original Research

IMPLEMENTING TRADITIONAL LIBRARY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS WITHIN LINKED DATA ENVIRONMENTS: PRACTICAL CHALLENGES FROM ACADEMIC LIBRARIES

OKHAKHU, DAVID O. PHD, BAKARE OLUBUNMI, EGUNYEMI COMFORT OLUWAPELUMI, BELLO SAMUEL AKANDE, ASKIRA BABA AISHA, AFOLABI TOYOSI

This study examines the application of traditional library classification systems within Linked Data environments in academic libraries, emphasing on conceptual importance, thematic standardisation, application difficulties, and integration procedures. The swift shift from print-based and physically ordered collections to digitally interconnected information systems has enhanced the demand for academic libraries to adapt traditional knowledge organisation mechanism to semantic web innovations. Traditional classification schemes such as the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), Library of Congress Classification (LCC), and Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) continues to be fundamental for subject organisation, bibliographic control, and information retrieval, regardless the increasing complication of digital information environments. The research uses a qualitative exploratory design based on a methodical analysis of scholarly literature published between 2021 and 2025. Appropriate data were collected from databases including Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Emerald Insight, and ScienceDirect. The study is rooted on Classification Theory, Semantic Web Theory, and the Technology Organisation System (TOE) framework. The results reveal that Linked Data technologies such as RDF, SKOS, OWL, and BIBFRAME enhance interoperability, semantic consistency, and discoverability of library resources. However, problems including insufficient infrastructure, metadata conversion challenges, paucity of professional expertise, meager funding, and weakly institutional support remain an hindrance to implementation, especially in third-world countries. The study recommends gradual implementation, semantic standardisation, staff training, and continuous funding in digital infrastructure.

doi:10.5281/zenodo.21456590Read article
Original Research

TRAINING AND RETRAINING OF STAFF ON THE USE OF LIBRARY SOFTWARE AND DATABASE FOR SERVICE DELIVERY IN FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC LIBRARIES IN NORTH EAST, NIGERIA

MOHAMMED ABDULHAMID, BALA SULAIMAN ABDUL (CLN), ABDULLAHI LIMANJO

The study assessed Training and retraining of staff on the use of library software and database for service delivery in federal polytechnic libraries in North-East Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to determine: the types of training/retraining required by library staff on the use of library software and database for service delivery in the federal polytechnic libraries, the services rendered by the library staff using software and database in federal polytechnic libraries, and to Ascertain the effect of training and retraining of library staff on the use of software and database for service delivery in federal polytechnic libraries in North-East Nigeria. The study was guided by three research questions. Survey research design was adopted in writing the research. The target population for the study were one hundred and ninety-two (192) library staff of federal polytechnic libraries in North-East Nigeria. A total number of 192 copies of questionnaire were administered to the library staff of the federal polytechnic libraries out of which 175 (91.1%) were retrieved and found valid for analysis. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts to answer the research questions, while results were presented in tables. Findings of the study revealed among others training and retraining of staff on conferences and workshops on the use of software and database for service delivery is require to high extent in federal polytechnic libraries in North-East. Recommendations were made base on the findings that The federal polytechnic libraries management under study should emphasize in-house training and retraining, such as seminar on software use training, conferences and workshops on the use of software and database for service delivery in federal polytechnic libraries in North-east, Nigeria.

doi:10.5281/zenodo.21456594Read article
Original Research

SURVEY OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE OF STUDENTS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE, BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY, MAKURDI

KPUGHUR, TERSOO ALOYSIUS CLN, SESUGH ATSUKU, CLN, ORAHEMBAGA, TERHILE, UPEV, TERKENDE ANDREW

The study is a survey of substance abuse and emotional intelligence of students in the department of Library and Information Science, Benue State University, Makurdi. The specific purposes of the study include: to identify the types of drugs commonly abused by students, ascertain the perceived effects of drug abuse on students and to assess the extent to which substance abuse affects the emotional intelligence of students. In line with the purposes of the study, three research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of the study consisted of 1147 undergraduate students of Library and Information Science, Benue State University, Makurdi. 115 which is 10% of the population was used as the sample size of the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Data collected was analysed descriptively using frequency and simple percentage. Findings revealed the types of commonly abused drugs by students to include cocaine, marijuana, alcohol, heroine, cigarette, coffee/caffeine, morphine and amphetamine. The study revealed the perceived effects of drug abuse among students to include; truancy in school, theft of materials, rudeness to lecturers and parents, dropping out of school, indulgence in examination malpractice, joining bad gangs such as cultism and they engaged in gambling and prostitution. The study also revealed that these drugs are abused to a large extent by students. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are made: on the findings of the commonly abused drugs/substance by students, the researchers recommend that, the government should instruct pharmacists and medical practitioners to always request for prescription notes from school children especially teenagers and adolescents before drugs are sold to them and the drugs should be sold to them as prescribed. This will help in curtailing drugs/substances abuse among students; on the effects of drugs/substance abuse on students, the study recommend that the National University Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (Federal and State) should instruct the NDLEA to from time to time carry out sensitization programmes to both tertiary and secondary schools to create awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and its negative effects to academic performance of students and their general health. Finally, on the extent of drug/substance abuse by students, the study recommended that, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food and Drug Abuse Control (NAFDC) and other control groups should not relent in carrying out their responsibilities on drug abusers in order to make Nigeria a drug abuse free society with a special focus on the Nigerian youths in the universities because they are the future leaders of this great country, Nigeria. Punishments should be levied on offenders to deter others from indulging in drugs.

doi:10.5281/zenodo.21456596Read article
Original Research

INVESTIGATION OF THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AMONG ACADEMIC LIBRARIANS IN SELECTED UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA

OLUWOLE EJIWOYE, RASAKI, ADETOMIWA BASIRU, MONDAY AUTA, WYORKSON, AKEEM ADEDAYO, ADEDIMEJI

This research paper investigates the use of social media to manage emergencies by academic librarians working in some of the selected public university libraries in Nigeria. The results show that librarians tend to regard social media as a powerful resource in responding to emergencies, particularly in interaction, sensitizing the community, and training. Nonetheless, the digital divide and lack of access to technology was found to be a significant obstacle to successful utilization. The findings also indicated that there was no statistically significant association between the academic level of the librarians, the number of years in the line of duty and the gender of the librarians and their use of social media to deal with the emergency. On the other hand, the perception of the social media by the librarians played a great role in its use during emergency management. In order to reduce the problems revolving around the use of social media in disaster management, the research paper suggests that the emergency management agencies may undertake awareness and enlightenment initiatives that will reduce misinformation in times of crisis. It also calls for government intervention through the enactment and enforcement of policies to regulate social media use. Additionally, capacity building through targeted training for academic librarians is essential, particularly in data

doi:10.5281/zenodo.21456598Read article
Original Research

AI AT THE REFERENCE DESK: CAN CHATGPT, GEMINI, AND PERPLEXITY DO THE JOB OF A LIBRARIAN?

SAMUEL .O. OWOEYE (CLN), DR EMMANUEL TUNDE MAKINDE (CLN), DR FRANCIS ANAEME (CLN), JOY U. OKORO

This research examines the evolving roles of human librarians amid rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI) tools, with a specific focus on ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, and their performance in handling reference queries. The study adopts a secondary research methodology, drawing on existing literature, comparative analyses, conceptual models, and user experience reports to assess whether AI systems can replicate or replace the functions of professional librarians. Key areas of study include the capabilities and limitations of AI in information retrieval, user satisfaction, ethical reasoning, context sensitivity, and the implications for librarians' professional identity. Findings reveal that while AI tools perform effectively in routine reference tasks such as rapid information retrieval, citation assistance, and factual responses, they fall short in areas requiring ethical judgment, personalised guidance, and critical evaluation. Human librarians maintain a distinct advantage in complex, interdisciplinary, or sensitive information contexts, where empathy and professional discretion are essential. The paper concludes that complete replacement of librarians by AI is neither feasible nor desirable; instead, a collaborative model holds the most promise. Librarians should embrace AI as a collaborative tool by enhancing their digital literacy, promoting ethical

doi:10.5281/zenodo.21456603Read article
Original Research

THE INFLUENCE OF AI-DRIVEN LIBRARY TECHNOLOGIES AND GREEN LIBRARY PRACTICES ON SUSTAINABLE INFORMATION SERVICES AND DIGITAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT

PRISCILLIA ANWULI ELUEBO, OLUFELIX EDNA IWAPELELERE

This study examined the influence of AI-driven library technologies and green library practices on sustainable information services and digital heritage management, and how their interrelationship promotes sustainable library development in three selected state university libraries in Imo State, Nigeria. The population comprised of 34 librarians across the three selected state university libraries, with data collected using a structured questionnaire designed around four key variables: AI technologies, green practices, sustainable services, and digital heritage management. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Findings revealed that AI-driven technologies are effectively utilised to enhance service efficiency and predictive user analysis, while green library practices significantly contribute to operational sustainability and environmental responsibility. Sustainable information services and digital heritage management were found to be mutually reinforcing, ensuring continuity, accessibility, and preservation of digital and cultural resources. The study also established a strong interrelationship among AI-driven library technology and green library practices on sustainable information services and digital heritage management, demonstrating that integrating technology, environmental practices, and sustainable service frameworks is critical for achieving holistic and long-term sustainable library development. The research recommends continuous professional training on AI, the adoption of eco-friendly library operations, strategic planning for sustainable services, and robust digital preservation policies to enhance library sustainability and user satisfaction.

doi:10.5281/zenodo.21456608Read article