Echoes in Empty Halls: The Unseen Crisis of Staffing Shortages in Our Libraries

The alarming shortage of staff in libraries across the federation has become a pressing concern. Recently, I was shocked to observe the extent of this inadequacy. Institutions serving over seven thousand users, managing thousands of volumes in print, non-print, and electronic formats, are being operated by just five library staff members — including the university librarian. This is not only unsustainable but detrimental to the quality of service provided to users.

Consider the case of a small library equipped with just one computer, a single room, and three thousand collections. Despite its modest size, it is managed by a professional librarian with a master’s degree, a paraprofessional with a diploma in library science, and two support staff — a secretary and a security personnel. If this is deemed the minimum requirement for a standard library, then what can be said of the state of libraries in other institutions, organizations, and community centers?

The work of information provision, space management, website maintenance, and user engagement cannot be effectively carried out by a handful of underpaid, overstretched, and demotivated librarians. Yet, the dire shortage of staff in college libraries — particularly in colleges of agriculture, nursing, education, and technology — continues to escalate.

Staff members work for years and retire without replacement. Support staff are employed under precarious conditions, receiving minimal benefits and experiencing erratic wage payments. Public libraries have, for the most part, fallen into disrepair. Many stand abandoned, housing rodents rather than readers, or have been repurposed as microfinance banks.

The situation is particularly grim in polytechnic libraries. Many rely on ad-hoc staff who only visit once a week, as months of unpaid salaries and poor working conditions drive them away. Recruitment processes are marred by delays, and the few remaining librarians are caught in a cycle of demotivation and neglect.

Among all these institutions, only university libraries have managed to retain some semblance of order. While they still operate below global standards, they at least maintain basic library services.

What lies behind this widespread staffing crisis? Is it the result of a lack of qualified librarians or library schools? Is it a consequence of demotivated workers, or the governing councils’ disregard for the essential role of libraries in national development? Is it a funding issue, a lack of trained professionals, or outdated library services?

The answers are complex, but one fact is evident: every year, thousands of librarians graduate across Nigeria with bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The supply of qualified professionals is not the issue. Rather, those already employed are increasingly demotivated due to poor remuneration and lack of incentives.

Professional bodies such as the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) and the Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) have made commendable efforts to improve the pay structure for librarians in organized sectors. However, the informal sector remains neglected, and more must be done to ensure that librarians across all sectors receive fair compensation and welfare packages.

Leadership attitudes toward libraries also play a significant role in this crisis. The adage “Open a library, close a prison” highlights the transformative power of libraries in curbing crime and promoting national development. Libraries provide more than just books; they serve as access points for information, education, and social equality.

Yet, governing boards in educational institutions often overlook the importance of library staffing, despite the fact that libraries form the backbone of academic learning. Schools and colleges are built around libraries, not the other way around. The need to prioritize library resources and personnel cannot be overemphasized.

While financial constraints are a global reality, strategic planning can help mitigate the impact. Libraries should be prioritized in institutional budgets, with adequate funding allocated for staffing, training, and resource acquisition. Without sufficient funding, libraries will continue to deteriorate, further exacerbating the staffing crisis.

The need for continuous professional development is also paramount. Librarians must actively upskill and adapt to emerging technologies. Fortunately, many have embraced technology to better serve their users, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.

In the digital age, libraries are no longer just reading rooms. They are information hubs that provide access to cutting-edge resources, digital services, and social support networks. From internet access to digital literacy programs, libraries have evolved to meet the changing needs of their communities.

Advocacy is crucial. Professional associations must take the lead in lobbying for better funding, staffing, and working conditions in libraries. Leaders must develop strategic communication skills to effectively present the case for library development to government agencies and institutional management. Libraries are more than mere repositories of books; they are catalysts for national development.

Our libraries urgently need more staff to deliver functional and impactful services. The message is clear: open a library, and you close a prison. We must prioritize library staffing and resources, ensuring that libraries are adequately equipped to serve as engines of education, information access, and community development.

Azeez ADEOYE, Ph.D.

Wizard Librarian

azeez.adeoye@fuhsi.edu.ng

07 May 2025