BY IFEANYI UWAGWU
THE Delta State Ministry of Higher Education earlier today held a one-day capacity-building workshop for staff of the State Library Board, focusing on equipping them with the skills needed to meet the demands of modern library services.
The training, held at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat, explored the evolving role of libraries in a digital era and how staff can adapt to remain relevant.
Flagging off the programme, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, urged participants to ensure that the knowledge gained translates into improved service delivery across libraries in the state. He stressed that continuous learning was essential in a world where technology is rapidly reshaping information access.
The functioning Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Bridget Odobor, echoed the commissioner’s view. Represented by the Director of Higher Education, Ms Alero Awani, she noted that as an extension of the Ministry of Education, the Library Board must undergo periodic training to remain effective.
She emphasised that the training was timely, as the public increasingly needs guidance on the benefits and relevance of library services. She encouraged staff to apply their newly acquired skills to enhance professionalism in their duties.
Director of Remedial Services, Mrs Stella Maidoh, highlighted the need for many library workers to transition from analogue methods to digital tools. She noted that this shift was crucial, not only to remain relevant but also to better serve both individuals and government institutions.
“The aim is to move our library system to the next level, ensuring it grows alongside a society now driven by Artificial Intelligence and data,” she said. “Libraries remain a refuge for information—whether digital or physical—and as the world evolves, we must evolve with it.”
Lead facilitator, Mr Ishie, delivered a session on “The Future of Libraries in a Digital World,” outlining how libraries globally are shifting from traditional book repositories to hubs of innovation. He explained that libraries now serve as curators of online information and are integrating technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance user experiences.
He added that while physical spaces will remain important, the libraries of the future will be designed as flexible centres for research, collaboration and community engagement, operating round the clock. To stay relevant, he said librarians must upskill to manage e-libraries and adapt to new technological realities.
The workshop also featured a session on mental health in the workplace, delivered by Dr Special Omoefe, rounding off the training with a focus on staff wellbeing.
