Religious and Environmental Factors on Public Library Services in Nigeria

This paper explores religious and environmental factors on public library services in Nigeria. The population of the study consisted of 1,915 library users from public libraries in the predominantly Muslim North-East Region of Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed using Cochran’s Formula at a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of 5%. Thus, the sample size was 320 library users. Findings from the research show that most respondents (170; 55.7%) believed that religious beliefs create barriers to use of library resources by limiting access to material considered to be in contradiction of religious doctrine and as self-censorship by librarians. Additionally, 272 (89.1%) of respondents felt that fear of extremist attacks on library facilities affects their participation as users. In the case of environmental influences, 115 (37.7%) of respondents identified extreme heat and drought as negatively impacting library operations while the other respondents identified lack of access due to flooding, poor road conditions, building deterioration and unreliable electricity supply as significant. The research highlights that libraries must have an inclusive policy that considers the diverse religious beliefs of users and provides equitable access to library materials. The research recommends that climate resilient infrastructure, solar energy solutions and increased security will reduce the combined impacts of religious beliefs and environmental influences on public libraries in Nigeria.