The National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, has called on university libraries across Nigeria to assume a more prominent and strategic role, comparable to the influence and relevance of their counterparts in developed nations.

She emphasised that academic libraries must evolve beyond their traditional functions and position themselves as critical drivers of research, innovation, and knowledge dissemination within the higher education system.

Prof. Anunobi stated this on Tuesday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the 14th bi-annual meeting of the Association of University Libraries of Nigerian Universities (AULNU).

Speaking on the theme, ‘Managing University Libraries in the era of open access publishing: The Role of Libraries,’ the National Librarian highlighted the growing importance of open access in democratizing knowledge and expanding the reach of scholarly research.

She noted that libraries must take the lead in promoting open access initiatives, ensuring that academic outputs are not only preserved but also made widely accessible to researchers, students, and the global academic community.

The keynote speaker further explained that the shift toward open access publishing presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring libraries to adopt innovative management strategies, strengthen digital infrastructure, and build the capacity of librarians to navigate emerging trends in scholarly communication.

According to her, university libraries must become active partners in research visibility, data management, and institutional repository development.

Anunobi also called for increased collaboration among academic institutions, government agencies, and international partners to support sustainable access to information resources.

She tasked them to embrace modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to enhance service delivery, streamline library operations, and improve access to information resources.

She noted that the integration of AI-driven tools can support automated cataloguing, intelligent search systems, data analytics, and personalised user services, thereby making libraries more responsive to the needs of students and researchers.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, underscored the critical role of university libraries in maintaining academic standards and supporting quality assurance in Nigerian universities.

He noted that as regulatory oversight continues to evolve, libraries must align with global best practices to ensure that institutions meet accreditation requirements and remain competitive internationally.

Prof. Ribadu further stressed the need for sustained investment in library infrastructure, digital resources, and human capital development, noting that well-equipped and efficiently managed libraries are indispensable to the success of teaching, learning, and research.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Chairman, AULNU, Prof Angela Okpala, expressed appreciation to participants and stakeholders for their continued commitment to advancing university library services in Nigeria.

Prof. Okpala who doubles as the University Librarian, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Abuja, noted that the association remains dedicated to promoting collaboration, professional development, and the adoption of best practices among academic libraries across the country.

Okpala emphasised that the theme of the meeting was both timely and critical, given the rapid transformation in scholarly communication and the growing demand for open access resources.

She urged members to take advantage of the platform to share experiences, explore innovative solutions, and strengthen partnerships that would reposition Nigerian university libraries for greater relevance and impact in the global knowledge ecosystem