Abstract

This is a position paper and therefore expository in nature. The main focus of the paper was library and information services policy and its implication for school library development in Nigeria. It ..xrayed the basic conceptual ideas of library and information services policy and school library development. The paper critically reviewed the current status of school library services in Nigeria and national policy issues in critical sectors of the national economy; but observed the absence of a national library and information service policy, which has affected negatively the development of school libraries in Nigeria. The paper therefore made a case for pulling in place library and information services policy which will he a catalyst for school library development in Nigeria. The paper also made suggestions on how to achieve sustainable school library development in Nigeria through the possibility of government engaging in public-private- partnership with the organized private sector; government partnering international bodies interested in the development of education like the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and UNESCO. and community based organizations where the schools are situated among others. The paper concluded that a national library and information services policy will provide the much needed fillip for the development of viable school libraries in Nigeria.

Key Words: Library, information service, policy, school library, development.