National library: Prof Anunobi pledges to sustain digital transformation initiative

The National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Professor Chinwe Anunobi, has reaffirmed commitment towards sustenance of the ongoing digital transformation of the National Library.

Anunobi spoke on Monday during an interactive session with staff of the organization to commemorate her fourth anniversary in office.

She noted that digital transformation, including the development of the National Virtual Library, National Repository of Nigeria, among others, saying these reforms have begun to yield countless success stories

Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Vershima Orvell-Dio in a statement noted that the interactive session which, which holds every September, since her appointment in September 2021, to appraise progress achieved and share her plan for the next year, held in the Headquarter, under the theme “Four Years of Holding on to the Mandate: Innovation, Engaging New Generation and Reaching the Unreached.”

In her presentation, Prof. Anunobi said the theme underscores the constancy of the NLN’s mandate, while emphasizing that strategies must remain dynamic and driven by innovation, anchored on engaging the new generation, and determined to reach even the most hard-to-reach communities in Nigeria.”

Reflecting on her stewardship over the past years in the last year, Prof. Anunobi highlighted notable achievements including, sponsorship of 118 staff for capacity-building trainings covering professional and specialized competencies, recruitment of 94 new staff to replace exited personnel, enhancement of outsourced staff salaries and provision of welfare support to ailing staff, successful 60th anniversary celebration featuring a landmark road walk to the NLN headquarters under construction and development of a new strategic plan 2025–2030, to replace the 2020 – 2024 plan.

She also spoke on continuation of the International Digital Literacy Training, producing 141 certified graduates, securing full NBTE accreditation for the Centre for Advanced Library and Information Management, CALIM and Matriculation of the third set of diploma students and remodeling of the Centre with standard hostel accommodation.

According to her, “These milestones are anchored on our 8-point agenda and aligned with the five strategic objectives of the 2025–2030 a new strategic plan. This strategy represents the NLN’s journey in fostering literacy, education, research, cultural preservation, and access to knowledge.”

The National Librarian further unveiled key initiatives for the coming year, including digitising Nigeria’s cultural and historical heritage and delivering cutting-edge educational tools, expanding digital access through a robust virtual platform, promoting storytelling, creativity, and literacy through national and regional programs.

Prof. Anunobi expressed optimism for the early completion of the permanent headquarters, improvement in budgetary allocations, the delivery of an operational bus, expansion of directorates to enhance productivity and the forthcoming launch of the National Library of Nigeria Fund.

The National Librarian’s presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session during which she responded to all questions that were asked by staff.

Present at the event were management and staff from the headquarters while those from the branches joined virtually.

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