We have remodeled our library systems to fit the modern trends – Kadpoly Librarian

By Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim, Goronyo

The Librarian of the Isa Kaita Library, Kaduna Polytechnic, Mr. Mahmud Nefene Usman, said that Kaduna Polytechnic has one of the best libraries in Nigeria in terms of physical structure and services. He stated that the library supports the institution’s three-tiered mandate of teaching-learning, research and community service.
Mahmud Usman, who hails from Niger State, said he started his career at an early age with Federal College of Education Katsina, rising through the ranks to the post of the Acting College Librarian. He joined the polytechnic sector in 2009 when he was appointed as the Librarian of Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure. He has travelled extensively throughout the country and abroad, opportunities that broadened his experience and radically influenced his perception of a modern library. He said the library should no longer be ‘the zone of quiet or a mausoleum’, but rather a entre that aggregates various learning resources, in various formats that cater for various needs and preferences.

According to him, the library should also be a centre that promotes and hosts other activities of its community. He said KPT Library has a well-equipped e-library with access to a number of online databases, including facilities for workshops, meetings, ‘learning commons’ and audio-visual presentations.

“I have different ideas on what a good library should be, for both students and staff, to help them acquire knowledge that keeps pace with the times and to rekindle people’s passion for learning,” the Polytechnic Librarian stated.

The Librarian said e-library facilities are being extended to the other Kaduna Polytechnic campuses, with that of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CBMS) at Unguwan Rimi Campus having been completed, while work is going on at the College of Environmental Studies at Barnawa Campus. In addition to the IT facilities, the e-library at the CBMS is on permanent power supply via solar power.

“Library resources evolve over time. In the past, students came to the library to read, but now, with the distractions of phones, television, and other social media platforms, students are less inclined to visit the library, except during exams” Mr. Mahmud explained.

He said Kadpoly is a famous institution, and probably the first among its peers. It is also fortunate to have a beautiful library complex with enough space for various activities. For example, matriculation or convocation processions usually take off from the Library and end in the Library, backed by fantastic police band, creating a colourful scenery. The Library is always proud to host such activities.
“We have consistently received high ratings for the library during accreditations”. The Librarian said all achievements can be attributed to the support from the Rector and the Management. It is not easy to maintain the massive library complex, ensuring constant power, lighting and water, in addition to providing reading material and furniture for staff and students.

“We have also boosted our personnel capacity with more staff having acquired higher degrees”. I have strived to maintain a good relationship with the management and staff of the library.”
“The Rector, Dr. Sulaiman Umar has great confidence in me and has appointed me for some important assignments. I didn’t know anyone in this Polytechnic before my appointment, I have been fortunate the Rector has confidence in me, hence his decision to appoint me as the Chairman of the Board of Polytechnic’s Medical Centre, the Muhammed Shehu Kangiwa Medical Centre.

As part of his leadership responsibilities, the Polytechnic Librarian said, “from my end, I try to carry everyone along for collective attainment of objectives. I have discovered that the best way to succeed is to include everyone and allow everyone to contribute. I have never heard any complaints from any staff, although the assessment of my leadership can best be made by my staff, not myself.”

The Librarian said one of the major challenges is the dwindling reading culture among students. Before the advent of internet, students had to read despite the stress of accessing or retrieving information manually. But smart phones and other social media, instead of being employed as learning aids, have become serious distractions. But we are constantly upgrading our systems to meet modern needs and preferences. We purchase new materials every year, but students primarily fill the library during exam periods.

Lecturers should continue assigning students projects and assignments that require them to visit the library.” The is also the challenge of acquiring and maintaining IT facilities for our e-libraries. Acquiring these equipment is capital intensive, yet funding from government is grossly inadequate. But the support we get from the Rector is commendable which we maximize to achieve our goals.

The Rector has been very supportive, hardly turning down any request I send to him. The Management staff are all experienced and wonderful people, and I am truly grateful to be part of this team,” Mr. Usman concluded.