Roles of library leaders in positioning libraries for sustainable development in Nigeria

Abstract

Libraries have crucial roles to play in every social developmental issue. However, it has been observed by researchers that libraries may find it difficult to achieve their mandates in supporting social causes when they lack quality leaders. This paper investigated the roles of library leaders in positioning libraries for sustainable development. This paper adopted narrative design. Its population is an informal group of library leaders, who attended the 62^nd National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Library Association in 2024. Expert sampling was used and data was gathered through focus group discussion. Findings revealed that Nigerian library leaders adopted transformational, distributed, purposive, servant and strategic leadership styles. Nigerian library leaders position libraries for gender equity and inclusion, quality education, industry and innovation through community engagement, advocacy and equal access to information. Findings showed that library leaders struggle to position libraries for sustainable development because of poor funding, nonchalant attitudes of the library personnel and poor political will to support libraries. The study concluded that library leaders are promoting SDGs by demonstrating leadership capacities to drive community engagement, provide equal access to information to fight hunger, strengthen quality education, digital inclusion, gender equality and industry, innovation and infrastructure. The study recommended that Nigerian government should develop the political will to invest in and support their libraries. This will result in formulating supportive policies and funding libraries for social impacts.