AN EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE FINANCING OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES

ABSTRACT: This study examined alternative financing/funding of public libraries using Rivers State Library, Port Harcourt as case study. Specifically, the study was aimed at investigating the need for an alternative funding sources of public libraries, investigate the different alternative funding sources of public libraries, investigate the challenges of alternative funding of public libraries, and proffer possible solutions to the identified challenges of alternative funding of public libraries. The study employed the survey descriptive research design. A total of 30 responses were validated from the survey. From the responses obtained and analysed, the findings revealed that the need for an alternative funding sources of public libraries is that it helps to enhances service delivery, Enables provision of necessary infrastructure, Enables provision of current books, Helps in maintenance of staffs and library, and enhances overall performance of the library services. Also, the different alternative funding sources of public libraries include; Fees for Services, Private Donations, Government Grants, and Corporate and Foundation Grants. Furthermore, the challenges of alternative funding of public libraries includes; librarian’s attitude, Inadequate philanthropic culture of Nigerians, Inadequate structures for effective and efficient accountability and transparency, Unco-operative attitude of those involved in the fund-raising process, Inadequate time to plan the due to head librarians tenure in office, and government attitude towards library development in Nigeria. The study therefore recommend public libraries, as a matter of necessity should seek other sources of funding to supplement the traditional sources which are hardly adequate to provide modern facilities that will make the libraries ICT compliant. This they can do by commercialising their services to include those provided by private individuals or organizations within their premises. Such services may include photocopying, printing of documents and card production. Moreso, there is also a need for more advocacy and publicity in the mass media on the crucial role of libraries in the operational efficiency of their states. Through such awareness programmes, profit-oriented corporate establishments and non-governmental voluntary organizations could be mobilized to provide financial assistance to Nigeria’s Libraries.