World Library and Information Congress:
70th IFLA General Conference and Council
22-27 August 2004
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Programme: http://www.ifla.org/IV/ifla70/prog04.htm
Code Number: 045-E
Meeting: 138. Women's Issues
Simultaneous Interpretation: -
Libraries, Information and Resource Centres as a Tool for Women and
Economic Development in Nigeria
Author title/positon:

 Oyelude, Adetoun A. (Mrs.), Librarian

 Subair, Roselyn E. (Mrs.), Librarian

 Adewumi C.O. Bolajoko (Mrs.),  Librarian
Affiliation: Nigerian library Association:
Institution:

 Kenneth Dike Library, University Of Ibadan.

 National Archives Of Nigeria Library, Ibadan Zonal Office, Ibadan.
Country: NIGERIA
ABSTRACT:
The role of Women libraries, Documentation and Resource Centres in the economic
development of women is examined and the types of literature gathered, processed and
disseminated is surveyed The activities of the Centres concerning women education,
information literacy level and the economic activities of the Women in the community
were observed and assessed to find out the impact they have on society.
 Women Special Centres and NGOs were used in the study. Questionnaire, Interview and
Participatory Observation methods were used in data gathering.
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The results show that the Women Centres run literacy programs for women and girls and
also provide training for less privileged women to facilitate their economic independence
as they make a living from skills acquired through vocational training.
Women farmers are assisted in getting loans, and the libraries provide needed literature
in book and audio-visual form for them. Information related to their reproductive health
is also provided. Women depend to a great extent on the resources and facilities of these
Centres.
Recommendations are made on how Information and Communication Technologies
(ICTs) can be used to greater advantage to network and reach majority of women
especially in the rural community.
KEYWORDS
Women
Socio economic development
Development Information
Libraries
Resource Centers
Nigeria
LIBRARIES, INFORMATION AND RESOURCE CENTERS AS A TOOL FOR WOMEN
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
1. INTRODUCTION
In every society, economic development is an important part of social living especially
the specific economic activities of women in the development of that society.  Our knowledge of
any society therefore, would be incomplete if it excluded both the production and distribution of
different kinds of goods and services in the society concerned.  These goods and services are
basics to social life because they satisfy the necessary needs for clothing, feeding, shelter and so
on, of members of the society.
However, due to artificial barriers created by culture and local traditions, women are not
expected to do the same jobs considered as ‘men’s jobs’.  Most of the economic activities of
women are therefore centered on farming, livestock and poultry production, processing of farm
produce, hat and basket weaving, textile production and so on.  In situations where they have
white-collar jobs women are only expected to perform clerical and secretarial functions.
Adekanye (2004) reiterates this fact, stating that government and Non-governmental agencies
acknowledge women’s participation in agriculture.  They play a major part in the provision of
food for the nation.  The women are encouraged to form formal cooperative societies and to
participate actively in existing men dominated cooperatives.  The number of women in
cooperative societies has increased over time, but few women hold executive posts.  The women
are involved in different types of cooperatives.  These include handicraft, consumer, credit and
agricultural production (poultry and piggery) cooperative societies. (Adekanye, 2004).
Due to limitations placed on women by societal stereotypes, they cannot express their full
potentials neither can they experience optimum output from their activities.  This leads to
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increasingly scarce economic resources for women.  This gender-based barrier i.e. imbalance in
access to, or control over economically productive resources is a critical issue for poverty in
Nigeria.  Women perform their multiple economic and household responsibilities in the face of
systemic discrimination in accessing the basic technologies and resources, which are required to
function in an economically productive and efficient manner.
2. OBJECTIVES
- To find out the role of libraries and resource centers in collecting and disseminating
information for women’s socio-economic development
- To determine if development information was being systematically collected by
libraries and resource centers
- To ascertain the level of collaboration and networking amongst women groups,
community-based organizations and non-governmental organizations and cooperative
associations
- To explore possible avenues for improving women’s socio-economic development
3. METHODOLOGY
The methods used in data collection were interviews and self-administered questionnaire.
Fifteen women resource centers were visited and the questionnaire administered on their
information officers and librarian(s).  Where the chief executive or directors of the centers could
not be reached, an in-depth interview was conducted with the officer in charge.
The study shows that in carrying out these various activities, certain skills are required by
women for effectiveness in contributing to economic development.  The study establishes that to
acquire practical skills and strategic tools to alleviate sufferings resulting from challenges and
problems they face, women have need of education.  They will be educated through access to
information relevant to their various economic activities.
4. THE ROLE OF LIBRARIES, RESOURCE AND INFORMATION CENTERS IN
MANAGING AND DISSEMINATING INFORMATION FOR WOMEN’S SOCIO-
ECONOMIC NEEDS
The traditional role of libraries is collection, organization and dissemination of
information to information-seeking human beings.  They get this information in various formats
(written, visual, audiovisual and even sometimes realia) and put them or display them in a form
in which it is easily retrievable for use.  In this new age of Information and Communication
Technology, the electronic forms of gathering data are increasingly being used. For women
however, there are some problems encountered in the use of information for meeting social and
economic needs.  This is due largely to the literacy and educational level of the women.  In
Nigeria, 42% of women are illiterate.  This notwithstanding, provision is made for them in
development projects.  The activities of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) in this regard
is particularly noted (Adekanye, 2004).  Many women centers organize activities to sensitize
women on how to better themselves economically.  The work of the wife of the former Head of
State of Nigeria, Mrs Maryam Babangida cannot be overlooked. This research now looked
specifically at the role of libraries and resource centers in the documentation of women’s
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socioeconomic activities and in gathering development information for women in particular.  The
NGOs involved in women issues were the focus.  The library facilities of those that had such
were visited, and the librarians interviewed to find out how information for women is gathered
and disseminated.
Libraries can positively help in getting women involved in activities that promote their
social and economic interests.  Information that will be useful to women towards this end would
be repackaged for them especially if the women are illiterate or half-illiterate.  Training and adult
education programmes should be organized by libraries and resource centers especially in rural
communities where lack of infrastructure makes it a bit difficult for adequate information to
reach women.  Wittwer (2001) posits a situation where libraries must balance traditional service
with those evolving from new technologies.  Like the programme of the Makaseke Multi-purpose
Community Center in Uganda, libraries and resource centers serving the rural populace (among
them, women and children) should use new information and communication technologies (ICTs)
to catalogue development activities.  Agricultural information especially should be delivered in
time and research results disseminated promptly as well.  The community should also be
involved in the planning and execution of the activities. (IK-Notes 2000, No.27).
5. FACTORS AFFECTING PROVISION OF INFORMATION TO WOMEN
Dissemination of information to women is dependent on various factors due to the
complex and varied nature of the types of information needed.  Rathop (2000) in describing the
state of gender information in Botswana states that there are mechanisms both governmental and
non-governmental to fight the cause of women in that country.  He discusses some of the
problems faced in providing access to gender information and methods of enhancing its
provision.  Gender information networking is seen as the answer to this problem.  These services
can be provided by libraries and resource centers especially women centers.  In a network it is
easier to disseminate information.  Ware (1997) sees the need to develop the communication
infrastructure, information systems and services in low and middle income countries.  This he
feels should be done before provision of aid from International Agencies is provided.  The
support services of these information systems should be marketed so as to generate interest of the
people and also aid in maintenance of the infrastructure.
The issue of national information policies is also a major factor in information provision
to women.  Information age policies are essential.  Developing an information policy is one of the
things any government that wants development should tackle first. (Coult, 2001).
In providing information for the needs of women, women librarians are challenged as
they are also stakeholders in this effort to gather and disseminate gender information. Iwe (2001)
says better information lies in the use of technology and is of the opinion that women librarians
are well equipped to face the challenges of the future in the use of technology for information
provision.  Still on the issue of technology, Carey (2001) argues that ICT will not automatically
get to the heart of poverty eradication and exclusion from ICT is deep-rooted exclusion.  What
the poor need most in his opinion is parallel infusion of money and education.  Thus ICT alone
cannot help women.  Money, the necessary infrastructure and above all, education is needed in
addition to any technology proffered.  This assures socio-economic development of women and
the community as a whole.
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6. WOMEN AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Now governmental organizations are in the forefront of development project activities
and indeed collaborate occasionally with Government Agencies like the Women’s
Commission which is a ministry in the government. These NGO’S do a lot as their
objectives and purpose is to train, educate and assist women in socio economic
development activities. A few of these activities are outlined here especially those that are
directly concerned with economic development of women:
Centres Objectives Activities
1) A) Center for Promotion of women Training: through non formal
Reproductive Health, empowerment through education of female deoponts,
Aromatherapy and development and capacity left outs and pushed outs. They
Development building on small scale are taught vocational skills to
(CEREHAD) vocation. Helping drop earn a decent living. Women are
out youths from high also trained on other issues
     B) Centre for Leadership school, move into likely to effect their social
     Development meaningful, secure and living e.g. health,
      (CELDERT) steady employment. Networking: Collaboration with
other news and Government.
Information Centre: Operate an
information centre but with no
professional Librarian in
charge.
2) A) Community 
 To meet the growing 
 Provision of savings and
Women and needs and aspirations credit services.
Development of the less priviledged 
 Supporting Agricultural
(COWAD) women of the development
  B) Community Women grassroot 
 Education and training
Association of Nigeria communities. programmes
(COWAN) 
 Financial assistance to 
 Apiculture
enhance business in 
 Operate information centre
form of grants. which has about 100

 Provision of non information sources through
formal education for books, conference
educationally proceeding etc. The
disadvantaged women activities of the centres are
and girls to increase documented on video and in
their capacity to earn form of reports.
their living
3) A) Centre for 
 Work in advocacy 
 Community development and
African Settlement capacity to improve action projects even as it
Studies and human welfare and relate to women.
Development quality of settlement in 
 Training programmes
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(CASSAD) Africa 
 Networking
B) Food Basket 
 Promote the interest of
International government and
C) Network for Gender people in sustainable
Sensitive Educational and healthy
Management and communities.
Administration 
 Promotion of
(NEGSEMA) networking among
D) Center for Gender, NGO and CBOs
Governance and (community based
Development organizations).
(CEGGAD)
E) National Association
of Women in Business
4) A) Centre for 
 To operate a “help” 
 Self help project development
Enterprise centre for a network of and implementation.
Development and people in response to 
 Domestic and export market
Action Research various social, assistance.
(CEDAR) economic and 
 Gender training.
B) Farmers information problems. 
 Maintaining an information
Development Union centre managed by a
(FADU) graduate. Offers reading &
lending facilities
5) A) Women’s Issues 
 Advocate for women 
 Networking with other
and Development and children on human national and international
Initiatives (WOMID) rights issues. NGOS.
B) Women’s Research 
 Initiate programmes / 
 Training programmes.
and Documentation economic activities 
 Information centre/library
Centre (WORDOC) that will enhance the with professional librarian in
C) Development Policy health and charge
Centre (DPC) development of
D) Association for women and the girl
Reproductive and child.
Family Health (ARFH)
 7. FINDINGS
Of the 30 respondents, 7 (23.33%) were male, and 23 (76.67%) were female. Their
occupations ranged from librarian (10% of them), Information officer (40%) to Director
of the NGO or Centre (50%). Their highest qualifications were PhD (5%), Master Degree
(40%), 1st Degree (20%) and school certificate (35%).
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All the centres run programmes for women and girls (100%). Six of the 15 centres (20%)
run adult literacy classes, 13 (43.33%) run vocational training programmes, 4 (13.33%)
offer farming and extension programmes while 5 (16.67%) of them run catering and home
management programmes for women and girls.
Only 2 of the NGO’S (6.67%) get government support in form of occasional grants from
the Women’s Commission in Abuja. This means that majority (93.33%) do not enjoy
government support.
Respondents were of the opinion that women can develop economically by getting loans
from cooperatives and agricultural banks. They also believed that the women could also
apply for external or foreign grants if assisted with the right support from NGO’s and the
Women Development Units of the ministries, or the Women’s Commission in all states of
the Federation.
Concerning libraries or resource centres, 8 (26.67%) respondents only claimed that their
organizations had a standard library run by a professional librarian, 16 (53.33%) had
resource centres and of this number only 2 (6.67%) had televiewing facilities. 6 (20%)
had just a fairly sized book collection available for users. See figure 1.
The types of information gathered in the centres were found to be as follows:-
Information on all subjects are gathered by 6 respondents (20%), information on women
and gender issues only are got by 14 respondents (46.6%), Information on economic
development only is collected by 8 respondents (26.6%) while information on farming is
by 2 respondents (6.67%). See figure 2.
Only 8 (26.66%) of the respondents assist women in getting loans for their farm work or
trading activities. The NGO dealing with faming (FADU) was the major giver of this
assistance. This may be due to the fact that NGO’S in Nigeria do not often enjoy
government support. They depend more on assistance from international agencies and so
may not be able to offer loans to women.
When questioned about where they get their information from on an individual basis, it
was found that newspapers, magazines and newsletters was the major source followed by
lectures/seminars, then interpersonal relaying of information, then libraries, and finally
the mass media. The internet was listed as another alternative for getting information.
All the NGOS and centres collaborate occasionally with others. None had ever had
collaborative programmes with the government or any ministry or parastatal.
All of them write reports on their activities though not all publish the reports. Only
33.33% do, while 6.67% publish newsletter either biannually or monthly. Majority (80%)
record their programmes on audio or videotapes. These tapes are kept in their library for
reference purposes.
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The information dissemination patterns of the NGO’S are such that efforts to disseminate
information through the library are greatest. All of them (100%) disseminate through this
medium but the issue is: how many people visit their libraries? 53.33% use the mass
media to disseminate their information but this happens only when they have workshops
or seminars. The mass media is not used continually to advertise or create awareness of
the work of the Centres concerning women. Newspaper and newsletters each come low in
the methods of information dissemination (6.67% each). None of the centres use town
criers or other traditional methods of information dissemination. None of the centres have
a website yet, and though some have computers, none of them are networked and none
have internet facilities operating at present. One (1) has a business centre adjacent, so can
get information form the internet, but does not use the internet in information
dissemination.
8. THE WAY FORWARD
Library can be used positively as tools for women’s socio economic development in the
following ways:
1. ACADEMIC LIBRARIES
Academic and Research libraries can make available literature of research conducted that
is useful to women. They can also maintain a special collection on women and create
awareness for such a collection through Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI).
Ekpenyong (2001) states that libraries and resource centres can benefit from agricultural
research. They can develop a database information system on agricultural activities and
their effort will help women in their socio-economic pursuits.
2. SPECIAL LIBRARIES
Libraries owned by Women Development Centres could extract gender – sensitive or
gender – based materials in their collection and make them available as well. If the
libraries or resource centres are for women and women’s collection, then it is necessary
for them to establish a network where information can be circulated.
3. GOVERNMENT LIBRARIES
These libraries should be in the forefront of advocating for gender segregated information
to be systematically collected and organized. These libraries should be in close contact
with the Federal Office of Statistics (FOS) of the country so that demographic
information is promptly gathered. Government libraries should endeavour to create a
database on women and women’s issues that can be reliably depended on for planning
purposes. With this, planning in all sectors agricultural, information, educational etc is
made easier. The National Library of any country is an example of a government library
that can be useful.
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4. RURAL AND MOBILE LIBRARIES
These types of libraries cannot be overlooked in the provision and dissemination of
information to women. Majority of the women in rural areas are illiterate so library
services in these areas should be geared towards information provision for them.
5. SCHOOL LIBRARIES
Though school libraries are a bit general in the provision of information; it is in schools
that the basis of good reading and information gathering habits are formed. If a child
grows up knowing the importance of reading and libraries, the habit carries on for life.
The girl child especially needs to be trained or guided specially in the use of libraries and
information. She eventually becomes the mother of a generation and what she herself
imbibes she gives to her offspring. The role of the school library in information provision
cannot be overemphasized.
9. CONCLUSION
From the study, it is seen that development information is not being gathered
systematically. This does not augur well for development in Nigeria.  Development
information needs to be delivered in a more convenient, faster, and less expensive fashion
so the pace of the information revolution in Nigeria can be enhanced. (Rangi and
Munyua, 2000), Policies, partnerships, networking and end user involvement will be
necessary to achieve the type of development that is needed.
Libraries and resource centres will have to redouble their efforts to refocus and embrace practical
approaches to provision of information to women in order to enhance economic development.
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Rathop, S. B. (2000), The state of gender information in Botswana. Libri, 50(4) Dec 2000; 302-7
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APPENDICES
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