As part of the initiative to create an environment conducive for learning for students of the University of Ibadan and the provision of efficient library services which is always at the heart of learning and research in any world-class university, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka, has unveiled the Kenneth Dike Library 24 hour reading service today, Thursday, 05 July, 2018.
The VC expressed his joy as he gave a personal reminiscence as an undergraduate of the University when he was a regular user of Kenneth Dike Library as well as of Room 71 in the Faculty of Arts.
He said it is essential for students to have unfettered access to reading rooms in their Halls of Residence, Faculties or at the University main library.
Prof. Olayinka commended the University Librarian, Dr. Helen Komolafe-Opadeji, whose enthusiasm he wholeheartedly supported, for the initiative and effort put behind the success of the project.
He recalled that the first attempt to provide 24 hour library service at the Kenneth Dike Library commenced on 20 May, 2012.
The VC said that there was a break for a few months in 2013 and by late 2014 till early 2016, the Kenneth Dike Library operated the 24/7 service for 4 weeks during semester examinations, stating that “this best practice has since stopped”
He recounted the reasons for discontinuation in 2016 which included complaints on inability to pay overtime to staff involved; incessant power outages; security concerns; indecent usage of toilet facilities with reports of defecating all over the library and its precincts as well as using the place for unscrupulous acts overnight.
Prof. Olayinka implored the leadership of Kenneth Dike Library to put in place the mechanism that would ensure a sustainable delivery of the 24 hour reading service by learning useful lessons from the laudable but failed first experiment, urging the students as the end users of the facility to ensure a decent utilization of the facility which is in their interest.
Speaking at the event, the University Librarian, Dr. Helen Komolafe-Opadeji, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his support and commitment at improving learning and research support in the Kenneth Dike Library.
Dr. Komolafe-Opadeji told the VC of how the idea of reviving the 24 hour service was mooted by him in 2017 at a separate University function.
She said that the project was considered and approved during the 2018 Strategic Planning meeting of the Kenneth Dike Library in January, this year.
The Kenneth Dike Library reading room has the capacity for 200 readers at a time with an alternative source of power supply.
It has a separate entrance leading to the toilet facility shared with the Faculty of Arts with a plan to construct additional toilet facilities specifically meant for the users of the 24 hour reading service at any time of the day.
Present at the occasion were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Kayode Adebowale; Registrar, Mrs. Olubunmi Faluyi; Deputy Dean of Students, Prof. Keye Abiona; Director, Directorate of Public Communication, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo.
