LIBRARIANS’ KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF THE ROLE OF THE LIBRARY IN PROMOTING DEMOCRATIC RULE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined librarians’ knowledge and awareness of the role of public libraries in promoting democratic rule in Nigeria, with specific attention to librarians’ understanding of democratic responsibilities, the services currently available to support democracy, the challenges limiting effective engagement, and strategies for improvement. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data were collected through a researcher-designed online questionnaire administered to 36 librarians drawn from Public Libraries in Nigeria. Data were analysed using frequency counts and percentages, while open-ended responses were interpreted contextually. The study found that librarians are broadly aware of the democratic roles of public libraries, particularly traditional functions such as supplementing formal education and providing equal access to information. However, democratic programming including civic education, community conversations, and information fact-checking, remains inconsistent or absent across libraries. Practical implementation is constrained by unreliable electricity, lack of internet connectivity, inadequate funding, political interference, and insufficient professional training. The study concludes that strengthening public libraries through improved infrastructure, targeted funding, professional development, and supportive policy frameworks is essential if libraries are to function effectively as democratic institutions in Nigeria. These findings are significant given Nigeria’s persistent challenges of voter apathy, electoral malpractice, and political misinformation, which underline the urgent need for well-resourced public libraries as instruments of democratic empowerment.