Leading Libraries into the Future: An Exclusive Interview with Lbrn Dominic Omokaro, President of the Nigerian Library Association
Prodip Roy, Melbourne
Photo: Lbrn Dominic Omokaro, President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Library Association (NLA).
The Librarian Times is honored to present an exclusive interview with Lbrn Dominic Omokaro, President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Library Association (NLA). On the sidelines of the prestigious IFLA Information Future Summit 2024 in Brisbane, the editor of The Librarian Times had the privilege of sitting down with Lbrn Omokaro to discuss his remarkable journey as the 22nd president of the NLA.
As a seasoned librarian and passionate advocate for the profession, Lbrn Omokaro shares insights into his leadership experiences, notable achievements, and vision for the future of libraries in Nigeria. From navigating post-COVID challenges to embracing technological advancements, he offers a unique perspective on the evolving role of libraries in the digital age.
In this engaging conversation, Lbrn Omokaro reflects on his presidency, highlighting key initiatives, collaborations and strategies for addressing the challenges facing Nigerian libraries. His thoughts on the impact of AI, literacy promotion and community engagement provide valuable lessons for librarians globally.
Question: Can you share your journey as President of the Nigerian Library Association and notable achievements during your tenure?
Dominic: My journey as President of the Nigerian Library Association began in 2005 when I was first elected as the National Publicity Secretary, a position I held from 2005 to 2010. Subsequently, I served as a National Councilor from 2011 to 2015. Between 2010 and 2022, I chaired several national committees, preparing me to lead the association. In August 2022, I was elected the 22nd president of the association.
Since taking office, we have achieved notable milestones, including membership in the Association of Professional Bodies in Nigeria and successful implementation of library school movements from the Faculty of Education to Social Sciences by the National Universities Commission. We have celebrated National Library Week with thought-provoking themes to revitalise librarianship in Nigeria, increasing visibility for the profession and conference participation.
Other key achievements include:
- Establishing the NLA Annual Awards Dinner: a flagship event promoting excellence in librarianship
- Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement: deliberate efforts to engage, connect, and collaborate with stakeholders and enable members
- Advocacy and Professional Development: promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and capacity-building initiatives for librarians
Question: How has your experience shaped your vision for the future of libraries in Nigeria?
Dominic: My experience as President of the Nigerian Library Association has been instrumental in guiding me through the complex landscape of leading a professional association in the post-COVID era. The pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, but also opportunities for growth, innovation and transformation.
“Nigerian libraries face neglect and poor funding. To address this, I propose intensifying advocacy and continuous stakeholder engagement”
Question: What are the biggest challenges facing Nigerian libraries today, and how do you propose addressing them?
Dominic: The biggest challenges facing Nigerian libraries today is that of neglect and poor funding by government and owners of such libraries and my strategy for addressing these challenges are to intensify advocacy and continuous engagement with our stakeholders.
Question: How can libraries leverage technology to enhance community engagement and access to information?
Dominic: By taking advantage of emerging technologies to deliver on their services. This will require developing the skills of our members to catch up with the trend.
Question: How do you see libraries contributing to education, cultural preservation, and social development in Nigeria?
Dominic: By providing access to information for the good of all. Nigerian libraries will become vibrant hubs for lifelong learning, cultural exchange, community development and innovation. By providing access to information for the good of all, libraries will empower citizens, enrich communities and contribute to Nigeria’s growth, fostering a knowledge-driven, inclusive society.
Question: What initiatives has the Nigerian Library Association undertaken to promote literacy and lifelong learning?
Dominic: We are collaborating with our stakeholders to develop an enabling environment for libraries to play its constitutional role of promoting literacy and lifelong learning. We work with government and non-governmental organization to promote readership campaigns, trainings and other enlightenment programs.
Question: What leadership qualities are essential for effective library management, and how do you embody these?
Dominic:Three essential elements guide my leadership approach: a clear vision, nuanced understanding of the issues, and collaborative teamwork. These values are embodied in my presidency theme: Engage, Connect, Collaborate and Enable.
Question: How do you foster collaboration between libraries, government agencies, and community organisations?
Dominic: By engaging (networking) the leaders to see and understand the need for collaboration.
“I worry that AI may lead to academic laziness, undermining originality and empirical work. The Nigerian Library Association will support libraries through continuing education programs and capacity-building initiatives”
Question: What are your thoughts on the evolving role of libraries in the digital age to face AI?
Dominic:My worries are that the advent of the AI technology will bring about academic laziness which will take await originality and empirical work if care is not taken. So the libraries and librarians have a lot of work to be done.
Question: How will the Nigerian Library Association continue to support libraries in adapting to these changes?
Dominic:As an association, the NLA shall sustain and improve on building the capacity and skills of our members through our various manpower development channels or what you can call continuing education programs.
The end.