Exhibitions in university libraries: the Nigerian experience

This paper presents a survey of research using a questionnaire to investigate the role of exhibitions in Nigerian university libraries. The study revealed that exhibitions are not taken seriously as a means of attracting both potential users in a society with poor reading culture and more funds for library development. None of the responding university libraries had any written policy on exhibitions nor made budgetary provisions. Between 1991 and 1995, only 83 exhibitions were organized, an average of 16 per academic year. The occasions attracting exhibitions were major anniversaries such as convocation, national day, students' orientation and displays on subjects of general interest. About 50 per cent of the libraries hold exhibitions irregularly. The problems associated with the effective management of library exhibitions were highlighted, while suggestions were proffered to make exhibitions meaningful in Nigerian university libraries.