CULTURE AND THE USE OF ACADEMIC LIBRARY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Library users have diverse cultural backgrounds which the Librarians should understand and consider while dealing with them. Users come to library with specific cultural knowledge or ‘cultural capital’, including their particular experiences and prior knowledge. Valuing users’ cultural knowledge and building upon it is a key component of culturally responsive library service. It is argued that culture is dynamic and that exploring, valuing and promoting users’ culture in the library will support their personal and academic development. The librarians were challenged to explore the collectivism and individualism as cultural orientations and the power relations that have historically existed between certain societal groups, as well as culture as it impacts the use of library among diver’s users’ populations. Librarians are also challenged to explore the pool of knowledge found in users’ home communities.