UI University Librarian Calls for Inclusive Access to Library Services

The University Librarian of the University of Ibadan, Dr. Mercy Iroaganachi, has called for greater access, accessibility and inclusivity in library and information services.

She made the call on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, at the opening of the 2026 International Conference of the Department of Library, Archival and Information Studies (LARIS), Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan.

Dr. Iroaganachi said the theme of the conference, "Access, Accessibility and Inclusivity in Library and Information Services," was apt, stressing that no learner or researcher should be left behind in the digital age.

She challenged stakeholders to examine who has access to knowledge, who can meaningfully use it and who remains excluded, noting that libraries should be regarded not merely as buildings or collections of books, but as institutions that facilitate intellectual discovery and create educational and social opportunities.

According to her, the effectiveness of a library should be measured not only by the size of its collection but by the number of people it enables to discover, understand, create and share knowledge.

She explained that digital transformation has expanded opportunities for libraries by allowing students to access academic materials through mobile devices, giving researchers opportunities to use resources remotely, enabling scholars to collaborate across continents while global audiences can leverage locally produced research.

The University Librarian, however, warned that technology could also become a barrier, citing the digital divide, high connectivity costs, inadequate infrastructure, limited funding and unequal digital skills as major challenges to information access in Nigeria.

She urged libraries to promote digital environments that are affordable, reliable and accessible while equipping users with digital literacy, research and information-evaluation skills.

She cautioned that while technology would continue to change the tools of librarianship, the fundamental values of the profession must remain centred on people and knowledge.

In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Kehinde O. Kester, described the theme of the conference as timely, noting that although libraries were traditionally regarded as "the people's university," many people remained excluded from information services.

He said persons with disabilities, students without reliable internet access and communities whose indigenous knowledge had not been adequately digitized continue to face significant barriers, and called for assistive technologies, inclusive collection development and universal design in library buildings and services.

Earlier, the Head of the Department of Library, Archival and Information Studies, Professor Clement A. Akangbe, said the conference provided an opportunity to address contemporary barriers to information access, adding that its success should be measured not only by papers presented but also by ideas generated, relationships built and practical changes that follow.

The keynote address was delivered by Professor Lenrie O. Aina, a former National Librarian of Nigeria, while former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Barrister Gbolarumi Hazeem, delivered a goodwill message.

The conference brought together scholars, researchers, librarians, archivists, publishers, information professionals, students and other stakeholders, and featured lead paper presentations and plenary sessions.