Towards Implementing a Virtual Library for Universities in Nigeria

Abstract

The Virtual Library provides access to tools such as databases, electronic journals, alerting services, online reference tools, and quality-selected web resources that improve the quality of teaching and research. Unfortunately various virtual library initiatives in Nigeria within the past six years have remained a mirage. This study examined the national library virtual project initiatives and identifies the challenges of its implementation within the Nigerian context. Misconceptions of what constitute a virtual library, unavailability of the basic information infrastructure; poor policy implementation and lack of web technologies skilled digital/systems librarians have been identified as some of the challenges in the implementation of the national Virtual Library Project.  The study also highlights the process of building a virtual library, collection development, acquisition and access of electronic resources in the virtual library, which are the basic skills required for the deployment and sustainability of the national virtual library.