Role Of Libraries In Disseminating Information On Corona Virus Disease In Nigeria
Dr Ogonu John Gibson
Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Alex-Nmecha Juliet C Ph.D
Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Fyneman Biokuromoye
University Library, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State
Keywords: Libraries, Mobile Libraries, Corona Virus, Information dissemination
Abstract
The paper examines the role of the libraries in disseminating information on corona virus disease in Nigeria. It discusses the concepts of libraries, their services and brief history of corona virus. The paper shows that the information needs of the people were numerous and could be met through mobile libraries via mobile driven and internet-based libraries services. The challenges of accessing information were due to lack of facilities, illiteracy, poverty, lack of information infrastructure, etc. The library through its services and roles can prevent and control the spread of corona virus among the library users through educational, recreational, collaboration or partnership roles with other institutions, social media, mobile phones etc. It concludes by stating that the library should be equipped and empowered to operate as an essential service like media houses, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), World Health Orgnaisation etc, during this pandemic. It further recommends among other things that libraries should be funded by all levels of government in other to acquire recent information materials, equipment and facilities for effectiveness in information dissemination among the people.