REINVENTION AND RE-ENGINEERING OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES AS FACILITATORS FOR GENERATING SOCIAL CAPITAL: A STUDY OF NORTHERN NIGERIA

Public libraries in Nigeria have been in existence for many years. They provide information resources and services to meet the needs of the community they serve. Studies on public libraries in Nigeria have shown that most of the services provided are traditional library services either due to poor resources and facilities or poor perception of public libraries and Librarians. The emergence of public libraries as among the institutions for generating social capital necessitate the libraries to rething and re-invent their services for better institutions for creating social capital. This paper highlighted the need for public libraries in Nigeria to re-invent their collections, building and spaces for community meetings and social gatherings, demographics, and community focusing. The paper also pointed out inadequate fund and unmotivated workforce, inadequate collections, and dilapidated buildings as the major constraints in the creation of social capital by public libraries in Nigeria. The paper concluded with need for public libraries in Nigeria to re-think their purpose and adopt the changing community needs and expectations.