The Role of Libraries in Enhancing Industrial Relations and Democracy in Nigeria BY Muhammad Etubi Cataloguing Unit University of Jos Library etubim@gmail.com A Paper Presented at NIPSS/NLA Annual Seminar held at The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru on 14th April, 2016. Outline -Introduction -Industrial relations -Democracy -Ways of enhancing industrial relations and democracy -Factors affecting libraries in the promotion of IR & D -Recommendations -Conclusion Introduction Libraries are social institutions that reflect and shape the economic, social and political environment of their communities through their functions and services. Otobo (2000) wrote that social or cultural system influences content of industrial relations because stakeholders in industrial relations are also part of the whole social system. A democratic environment is also influenced by the social system. Libraries’ functions and services shape the social system as whole, including industrial relations and democracy. Industrial Relations Industrial relations refer to existing relations between workers and their employers. Ratnam (2006:22) defines industrial relations as “the relations between management and unions or between representatives of employees and representatives of employers.” Democracy Democracy is a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, normally through elected representatives. The term is derived from the Greek demokratia which was coined from demos (“people”) and kratos (“rule”) in the middle of the 5th century BC to indicate the political system then existing in some Greek cities, particularly Athens where democracy began before its spread to other regions of the world (Dahl, 2014). The connection Libraries Industrial Relations Democracy Ways of enhancing industrial relations and democracy Information literacy programme Current awareness services Encourage corporate contribution Extension services Collection of materials on IR and D Consulting services A. Information Literacy Programme Reitz (2004) put the concept of information literacy as skills acquired in the evaluation of information content and understanding of technological infrastructure for information transmission, and using them effectively. a. Evaluation of Information content Relevance Authenticity Current etc. Information literacy programme cont. b. Technological Infrastructure: Computers and their features Scanners Flash drive Compact disk Memory card Modem Cables Information literacy programme cont. Skills Locate information Information Literacy Evaluate Problem solving B. Current Awareness Services It is a notification service to employees, employers, politicians, electorate, union members etc, about appointments, transfers, promotions, political rallies, electioneering and more using: Weblogs Database searching News interface on library website E-mails etc. C. Encourage Corporate Contribution Contribution in form of: Funds Computers Position papers Bulletins Journals, Conference papers, etc. D. Extension Services Debates Seminars, Workshop, Conferences E. Collection of Materials on IR &D Books Journals Pamphlets etc, on government labour policy, employee condition of service, union bye-law or constitution, political party manifestoes, election guidelines, offences and penalties, and more. F. Consulting Services Assist in establishing IR & D information resource centres. Locating and harvesting of electronic resources on IR & D. Advise on appropriate information needed. Factors affecting libraries in the promotion of IR & D Inadequate libraries’ parent institution’s support. Inadequate fund. Insufficient trained librarians. Not enough national recognition. Inadequate infrastructure. Recommendations Increased budgetary allocation More information technology training for librarians Libraries should be provided sufficient computers with constant internet service. Encourage private organisations’ contribution Trade union training should include information literacy. Conclusion Libraries remain the social institutions advancing human knowledge for the development of the society. The function and services of libraries of today transcend the traditional custodians of books to shaping stakeholders of social, economic, and political environment. Libraries require a more conscientious support from government and private organisations to further enhance industrial relations and democracy in Nigeria. References Dahl, R. A. (2014). Democracy. Retrieved January 9, 2015, from www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/157129/democra cy. Otobo, D. (2000). Industrial Relations: Theory and Controversies. Lagos: Malthouse Press Limited. Ratnam, C. S. V. (2006). Industrial Relations. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. References cont. Reitz, J. M. (2004). Dictionary for Library and Information Science. Connecticut: Libraries Unlimited. Independent search Corporate contribution Books, Journals, Pamphlets etc Conference, Workshop, Seminar Thank you and God Bless SAYING The lips must come together to enable them whistle