Enabling cultural heritage spaces in Nigerian public libraries: A case study of the Anambra State Library Board

Abstract

Nigerian public libraries play important roles in enabling the collation and sustainability of communities’ indigenous knowledge. This article is a case study of the activities, services and challenges of sustaining cultural heritage in the Anambra State Library Board. The study involved qualitative research, with physical visits, observation techniques and interviews for data collection. The researchers found that the public library has a cultural heritage section with various indigenous items displayed with their local names. The staff are involved in several activities designed to create effective cultural services. The Library Board organizes an annual cultural festival and talk shows, traditional dance, indigenous skills acquisition, storytelling, Igbo language readingand spelling bee. These programmes are developed in consultation and collaboration with community members, the media and the Nigerian Library Association. The challenges include problems of collation, damage, conservation and preservation. It is recommended that Nigerian public libraries should acquire more indigenous resources and conserve local items in digital collections.