The Integration of Libraries, Archives and Museums In Cultural Promotion and Development in Kwara State, Nigeria 1

Abstract

Culture has gained tremendous recognition in developmental discourse all over the world. However, cultural diminution has become a serious concern in Nigeria today, partly due to the incursion of Western culture to the detriment of the local ones. This exploratory study investigated the integration of libraries, archives, and museums,
as cultural heritage institutions, in the promotion and development of culture in Kwara State, Nigeria. The National Library, Kwara State Branch, the National Museum, Esie, Kwara State, and the University of Ilorin Archives, Ilorin, Kwara State were identified and selected as cultural heritage institutions in the State. Interviews were conducted with the Heads of these institutions using a semi-structured interview schedule. The generated transcripts were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The findings show that the three institutions acquire, preserve and provide access to cultural materials; have specific strategies in place to promote and develop a culture in Kwara State; collaborate in cultural promotion; and create an enabling working environment for their staff. The study recommended adequate funding
of the heritage institutions for them to perform optimally in promoting and developing a culture in Kwara State.