A short history of library

LIBRARY What is a Library? A library can be defined as a collection of printed and non-printed materials, organized and kept for reading, studying and consultations. Futalib (2015) states that a library is an institution responsible for the acquisition, organisation and storage of recorded knowledge in various media for study, research and consultation. In her own opinion, Owolabi (2010) defined the library as a collection of books and other information materials for reading or studying, or the building or room in which such collections are kept. Libraries are agents of educational, social, economic and political changes in the communities where they are established. They serve as cultural and generational heritage, recreational centres and houses of knowledge. They are organized and set up to appropriate informational, educational, social and recreational needs of their users. Libraries transform individuals, communities, and nations by raising their mental consciousness and elevate people’s minds (Itedjere, Achugbue & Sokari, 2012).