By Ethel Ighogboja
The Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro Librarian, Professor Ogochukwu Thaddeus Emiri, has stated that the university authority is poised to launch a reading-culture campaign as approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunny Ijirhevwe Awhefeada, to encourage students to develop regular reading habits and make effective use of the library.
Professor Emiri stated this during an interview, explaining that the initiative was designed to address the declining reading culture among students, particularly with the increasing influence of smartphones and social media.
He said the library had continued to improve its services through the adoption of Koha Library Management Doftware, which enables students to search for library resources electronically.
He added that the university also has access to nine academic databases through a United States-supported grant for three years.
The Librarian revealed that the library has also established a marketing division to strengthen interaction with students; with staff members visiting classrooms to educate students on available library resources and how to access them.
Speaking further, Prof. Emiri noted that while smartphones were useful, he condemned the act of some students that visit the library mainly to charge their phones rather than read.
He stressed the importance of observing library rules, particularly maintaining silence to provide a conducive environment for other researchers.
The librarian then charged students to make the library their friend, saying regular reading would improve their academic performance, writing ability and communication skills
