… Reels Successes in Few Months, Challenges, Plans

By Amaechi Agbo

In this exclusive interview, the new University Librarian of ESUT, Dr Uzoamaka Ogwo, shared her plans, with ESUT Monitor. Her elation after her appointment as well as plans for the Library and challenges it’s facing.

The Interview was anchored by Amaechi Agbo. Excerpts.

Profile

My name is Dr. Uzoamaka Ogwo, by the special grace of God, the new University Librarian of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Library.

I am a professional and certified librarian with over 15 years of experience in librarianship. I have Masters and Doctorate degrees in Library and Information Science.

Before my appointment as ESUT University Librarian, I was the Librarian, National Center for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka,  a research institute domiciled at the UNN and also a Senior Lecturer, in the Department of Library and Information Science, UNN.

I have skills in general library management and my passion in librarianship is to bring digital transformation in libraries, a platform that can enable users have seamless access to information anywhere, anytime without physical boundary.  I have strong passion for the development of an innovative library environment that will be able to serve the university community, the students and faculty members for teaching, learning and research.

Resuming Work In ESUT As The University Librarian

I felt so much elated and grateful to God to have assumed office as the University Librarian of ESUT. No doubt, it is a privilege and an opportunity to serve the university community. I saw it as a privilege and a call to serve in this capacity, to bring new innovations, developments and digital transformation in ESUT library; so it is an opportunity and a privilege to serve.

Contrast between ESUT Library and UNN Library

What I find different from ESUT Library when contrasted with UNN library is the fact that ESUT is a State University Library while UNN is Federal. ESUT library still have a lot to be done in terms of digital/e-library development which is one of my missions, to see that the library is elevated to the level that anybody can access it from any parts of the globe.

There are a lot to be done here starting from identification of the library to having a functional digital library system. Fundamentally, there are obvious needs and they are my priorities and assignments of being here, such as Web OPAC (Online Public Assess Catalogue), Institutional Repository, functional databases, mobile  library system that could enable users to have unrestricted access to the library from any parts of the world anytime, anywhere without any physical boundaries. The library is the center, the academic hub of every university and we have to elevate it to that standard.

Work Environment

I must tell you the truth, I had a very warm welcome to ESUT Library. The staff have been very friendly and supportive. There is an ambiance of good working environment and cooperation that one would want to navigate to contribute more to improve on what is already on ground.

Challenges?

Of course, every establishment has its own challenges and ESUT library is not an exception. Fundamentally, funding is the major challenge we are facing. There are a number of digital transformations, innovations and services that we need fund to deploy such as computers softwares, web OPAC, functional databases,  learning commons, Makerspace, smart technologies such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), AI Tools, maintenance of the library building, landscaping of the library environment etc.

The  whole library environment needs a touch – renovation – because the library is the image of every academic institution, it is the centre, the heartbeat  and the pivote point around which every academic activities revolves. Hence, the library needs a facelift, and all those things require fund.

The good news is that our indefatigable Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie and the entire management have been so supportive and making frantic efforts to seeing that all these challenges are being fixed gradually. Recently, the issue of signage system, internet access, has been fixed and we are very optimistic that every other needs in the library will be a thing of history in no distant time by God’s grace.

Environment Cleanup

When I came in, the library environment was not what a library vicinity should be like. However, with the approval of our Talk-and-do Vice Chancellor, the library environment has been cleared and graded. Very importantly, we now have signage system for easy identification of the library.

Plan To Landscape The Library Environment

Having graded the environment, which is one step, we are still very optimistic that the management will plan towards landscaping of the library environment to improve its aesthetics and maintain a serene environment conducive for our users.

UNN Dominating ESUT on Appointments

(Laughs). That is because we are Super Lions and Lionesses and the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) products are always the best. I am not just looking at the issue of dominance as you pointed out but on the impact. Dr Jonas Ezema (former University Librarian) did his best as well as my other predecessors. Not forgetting Professor Jacinta Eze who handed over to me.  The VC is currently transforming the university to a global standard with his disruptive innovative agenda, infrastructural development and digital transformation. I am also here to make my own impact of introducing digital transformation to the library.

Extending it beyond that front, you also have to give the Enugu State Government trumps up for always getting the best for ESUT particularly when you realize that these people are “Ndi Enugu”. It is a plus to the University, to Enugu State and to humanity.

Is that to say that ESUT is not producing capable hands as well? NO! To the contrary, remember that few months ago, the former Dean of Faculty of Law in ESUT, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, was appointed the Vice-Chancellor of UNN. And he made history as the first Nsukka person to head the University. My take is simple, Ndi Enugu nwere mmadu (Enugu has capable people) in all ramifications and I am happy and grateful to the Governor, the council members, the Vice-Chancellor, the management and the entire university community. Together we will propel ESUT and Nigerian educational system to greater heights.