The Association of University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (AULNU) has called on universities to adopt institutional Open Access policies and restrict leadership of academic libraries to professionally-certified librarians.
The demand was contained in a communiqué issued after AULNU’s 114th Bi-Annual Conference and General Meeting held at the National Universities Commission (NUC) auditorium, Abuja, from May 4 to 7, 2026.
The University Librarian of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Angela Okpala is the current national president of the association and delivered her speech at the conference.
The conference themed: “Managing University Libraries in the Era of Open Access Publishing: The Role of Librarians,” drew librarians, scholars, policymakers, and development partners.
Delegates said Open Access Publishing is now vital for democratising knowledge, improving research visibility, and accelerating innovation, according to the communique, issued on May 7, 2026.
They observed that university libraries are shifting from custodial roles to strategic centres for research dissemination, digital preservation, and digital literacy.
The meeting identified major barriers including poor ICT infrastructure, unstable power, inadequate funding, low digital literacy, and weak policies.
Delegates also expressed concern over predatory journals, misinformation, and the misuse of Artificial Intelligence in scholarly communication.
AULNU frowned at the appointment of non-qualified persons as University Librarians, stating that doing so undermines professionalism and standards.
It resolved that only librarians registered with the Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) should be eligible for such appointments.
The association urged TETFund and government agencies to strengthen support for Open Access infrastructure, digital repositories, and broadband connectivity.
It recommended that Open Access publications and Institutional Repositories be recognized in accreditation and research assessments.
AULNU also commended NUC,TETFund, the National Library of Nigeria and the Nigerian Library Association for their continued support of academic librarianship.
The association pledged to deepen collaboration among university libraries to establish sustainable Open Access consortia and shared digital infrastructure.
- Log in to post comments
- 63 views
