1.1 Introduction
A library is defined as an organized collection of books, journals, and other information resources, both print and non-print, made available for use by a community of users for education, research, recreation, and personal development (Aguolu & Aguolu, 2002). Traditionally, libraries serve as custodians of knowledge, promoting literacy, cultural preservation, and access to information. Public libraries, in particular, are established to provide equal opportunities for learning and social empowerment, regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic background (Edoka, 2000).
In Nigeria, libraries are expected to play a vital role in national development by supporting education, research, and lifelong learning. However, the reality in recent years is that many libraries, including the Imo State Library Board Owerri, are struggling to survive in a depressed economy characterized by inflation, declining government subventions, high cost of materials, and limited access to modern technologies (Ezeani & Igwesi, 2012).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of the Study
The origin of libraries in Nigeria can be traced to the colonial period when libraries were first established to serve expatriates, missionaries, and government officials. According to Aguolu and Aguolu (2002), the earliest library services were introduced in the early 20th century through missionary and colonial efforts, which laid the foundation for modern library development in Nigeria. Edoka (2000) reported that the establishment of public libraries began formally after independence in 1960, when the Nigerian government recognized the importance of libraries in promoting literacy and national development. In the Eastern region of Nigeria, public libraries were introduced as part of post-independence educational expansion. The Imo State Library Board was established in line with the 1972 Edict that created library boards in different states to coordinate public library services. Okore (2018) stated that the Imo State Library Board Owerri was set up to provide free access to educational materials, support community development, and foster a reading culture among the people of Imo State. Its establishment reflected the government’s commitment to literacy promotion and the democratization of knowledge.
The Imo State Library Board initially enjoyed relative growth, with functional branches across the state. Ezeani and Igwesi (2012) affirmed that the library played an active role in supporting schools, researchers, and the general public by making books and reference materials readily available. However, the economic challenges of the 1980s and subsequent downturns significantly affected its operations. Nwosu (2019) reported that declining government funding, coupled with poor infrastructural maintenance, gradually eroded the effectiveness of the library.
Over the years, the Imo State Library Board has struggled with problems such as obsolete collections, irregular staff training, and a lack of technological innovation. Ani and Edem (2019) contended that many public libraries in Nigeria, including the Imo State Library Board, failed to adapt quickly to the information age, thereby contributing to reduced patronage (Ani and Edem, 2019). Libraries have historically been regarded as the backbone of education, research, and cultural development in every society. According to Aguolu and Aguolu (2002), libraries are indispensable institutions because they preserve human knowledge and ensure its accessibility for present and future generations. Edoka (2000) reported that libraries in Nigeria were originally established to support literacy, scholarship, and equal access to information for all citizens. However, the Nigerian economy has in recent decades been marked by instability, inflation, and reduced public funding, which has negatively affected the library sector.
Ezeani and Igwesi (2012) asserted that the economic depression in Nigeria has led to inadequate financing of libraries, making it difficult to acquire relevant resources, maintain infrastructure, or meet user expectations. Similarly, Nwosu (2019) stated that while libraries are expected to adopt digital technologies to stay relevant, poor funding and infrastructural deficiencies hinder effective integration of ICT in library services.
Public libraries in particular are most vulnerable because they depend heavily on government subventions. Okore (2018) affirmed that inconsistent government support has led to dilapidated library facilities, low morale among staff, and declining patronage from users. On the other hand, Ani and Edem (2019) contend that the relevance of libraries in the digital era is not necessarily diminished, but their survival depends on innovative strategies such as diversification of funding sources, collaborations, and the rebranding of services to suit user needs.
The Imo State Library Board Owerri, like many other state libraries in Nigeria, faces the combined challenges of obsolete collections, inadequate staffing, poor infrastructure, and dwindling financial support. These challenges are intensified by the economic conditions in Nigeria, which limit the capacity of the library to deliver on its statutory responsibilities. The situation calls for the adoption of survival strategies that ensure libraries remain functional and relevant despite economic constraints. This study is set against the backdrop of examining how libraries, specifically the Imo State Library Board Owerri, navigate the harsh realities of a depressed economy while striving to sustain their essential roles in society.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that libraries in Nigeria are confronted with the challenge of surviving within a depressed economy that restricts their ability to function effectively. A public library such as the Imo State Library Board is expected to provide access to knowledge, promote literacy, and serve as a hub for community development. The economic downturn is making it difficult for libraries to purchase new materials, maintain facilities, or even retain qualified staff (Ezeani & Igwesi, 2012).
The situation is further worsened by the increasing dependence of users on digital resources. While libraries are expected to adapt by integrating information and communication technologies, the financial burden of acquiring and maintaining digital infrastructure is overwhelming. On the other hand, many users still rely heavily on physical access to books and journals, which places libraries in a double bind where neither traditional nor digital services are fully adequate (Nwosu, 2019).
The Imo State Library Board, like many others in Nigeria, is also struggling with irregular government subventions, delayed policy support, and lack of collaboration with private stakeholders. These constraints are preventing the library from performing its statutory roles as effectively as it should. Without strategic survival measures, there is a risk that the library’s relevance to education will continue to diminish (Aguolu & Aguolu, 2002). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the survival strategies that libraries, particularly the Imo State Library Board, employ in a depressed economy with a view to suggesting more sustainable approaches.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of this study is to examine the survival strategies employed by libraries in a depressed economy with particular focus on the Imo State Library Board Owerri. The specific objectives of this study are:
- To identify the existing problems faced by the Imo State Library Board in a depressed economy.
- To examine the strategies currently employed by the library to cope with economic challenges.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies in sustaining library services.
- To suggest alternative and innovative approaches that will improve the survival and relevance of the library.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, the study will address the following research questions:
- What are the existing problems faced by the Imo State Library Board in a depressed economy?
- What strategies are currently employed by the library to cope with economic challenges?
- How effective are the existing strategies in sustaining library services?
- What alternative and innovative approaches will improve the survival and relevance of the library?
1.6 Significance of the Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will serve as a guide for government agencies in formulating policies that support libraries in depressed economies. The study will also be useful to library managers as a framework for designing adaptive and sustainable strategies.
Furthermore, the findings will ensure that survival strategies adopted will improve access to knowledge, thereby fostering literacy and lifelong learning. In addition, this study will help policymakers recognize the need to allocate sufficient resources and develop innovative funding mechanisms for libraries.
Lastly, the research will contribute to academic research in the field of library and information science by providing empirical evidence on library survival mechanisms. It will also benefit the community by ensuring continued access to information resources despite economic difficulties.
1.7 Research Hypotheses
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H01: There is no significant relationship between the depressed economy and the survival of the Imo State Library Board.
- H02: The survival strategies employed by the library significantly influence its ability to sustain services.
- H03: Innovative approaches will significantly improve the survival and relevance of the library in a depressed economy.
1.8 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study is limited to the Imo State Library Board, Owerri, in Imo State, Nigeria. The study will focus on the survival strategies adopted by this library in a depressed economy, evaluating the problems faced, strategies applied, and their effectiveness in sustaining library services.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
A study of this nature is bound to experience certain problems as such the constraints imposed on the research include:
- Time Constraints: A study of this nature needs relatively long time during which information for accurate or at least near accurate inference could be drawn. The period of the study was short, time posed as constraints to the research.
- Financial Constraints: The research would have extended the survey to other area at the empirical level, but limitation as included cost of transportation to the source of material and the cost of time setting of the already completed work.
- Lack of Cooperation: Many of the respondents are usually aggressive on issue that border cooperation among the respondents border.
- Response Bias: The study will involve surveys and interviews with cooperative managers and members. Response bias may occur if respondents provide socially desirable answers or if there is reluctance to disclose negative financial information due to privacy concerns or fear of repercussions.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Library:
A library is an organized collection of books, journals, and electronic resources made accessible for reading, study, and reference (Aguolu & Aguolu, 2002).
Public Library:
A public library is a library established and funded by government to provide free access to information and resources for the general public (Edoka, 2000).
Survival Strategies:
Survival strategies refer to deliberate methods and actions taken by an organization to withstand adverse economic conditions and remain functional (Ezeani & Igwesi, 2012).
Depressed Economy:
A depressed economy is an economic condition characterized by inflation, low income, reduced government funding, and limited access to resources, which negatively affect organizational operations (Nwosu, 2019).
Sustainability:
Sustainability in library services refers to the ability of libraries to continue functioning effectively over time, despite economic, social, or technological challenges (Ani & Edem, 2019).
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