The paper examined the role of academic libraries in the evolving paradigm shift in teaching methodologies in Nigerian universities as a result of the outbreak of Covid-19. It x-rayed the current global trends in online education and significant roles libraries can play. Responsive library website design and adoption, adoption of blended librarianship model and use of social networks among others were identified as best practices to adopt in order to secure a place for libraries in Nigeria in the face of the eminent change in teaching methodologies post Covid-19. Furthermore, the study considered perceived challenges libraries may be confronted with in deploying relevant ICT infrastructures geared towards transitioning from traditional to online provision of services in support of teaching and learning. The paper recommended dynamism in library service delivery, urgency in the acquisition of new skill sets by academic librarians in Nigeria, while also calling on relevant stakeholders to provide adequate funding for libraries in order to be able to deploy relevant ICT infrastructures needed to adequately support teaching and learning in a virtual environment.

Following advances and extensive use of information and communication technology (ICT) in education and the current tech savvy generation of learners in higher institutions of learning, blended learning is gaining popularity as it is adjudged effective in improving both teaching and learning process in higher institutions of learning. It has the potential to expand access to quality education and break learning barriers in developing countries. Blended learning has created a paradigm shift in library services, however, not all academic libraries in developing countries have understood their roles in blended learning environment. Academic library can play significant roles in collaboration with faculty. The paper examined innovative strategies that academic libraries can adopt to make effective use of blended. The paper examined the state of academic libraries in developing countries with emphasis on their ability to participate in an embedded learning environment, it revealed that traditional learning methods is still prevalent in many developing countries, the paper considered factors that enhance and hinder academic libraries intervention in a blended learning environment. Competencies and skills required by academic librarians to be relevant in an embedded learning environment were discussed. The paper proffered workable recommendation for implementing a blended learning environment. In conclusion, the paper recommends that librarians in developing countries must be intentional about skills acquisition so as to be well equipped to join their counterparts in other developed climes to play a significant and principal role in the ever dynamic sophisticated learning environment.

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The purpose of this paper was to discuss adoption of library management system, motivation and challenges in developing countries. It started with the introduction of the concept, it further discussed the trend in the adoption of library management system in the developing countries. The paper also highlighted the factors influencing the adoption of library management system in developing countries, it also discussed the motivating factors in adopting library management system to library services. The paper further pointed out the challenges in adopting LMS in developing countries, such as prolonged adverse economic conditions, limitations in budgetary provision, infrastructural and political challenges facing these countries as well as inadequate technical-know required for the deployment and usage of modern working tools and technologies involved within LMS. Based on these, the paper concluded and recommended that there should be adequate planning, preparation and consultations before embarking on the adoption of a software for LMS, regular training and retraining should be conducted for library personnel on the use of the software, institutional support and the reputation of the company that developed the software should also be considered among others.

The chapter considers the importance of demographic and socio-economic factors as well as cognitive skills to information seeking in a digital library environment. Demographic factors such as age and gender were considered. Younger adults were found to respond positively to the demands of information seeking in the digital environment while their older counterparts are still struggling to come to terms with the changes. In the same vein, studies have revealed that the value placed on technology by men and women varies. While men express high level of confidence in navigating the digital environment, women still suffer low self-confidence in doing same. Identified socio-economic factors that also constitute a barrier to information seeking in a digital environment include income level, level of education, non-availability of ICT infrastructures and epileptic power supply especially in Africa among others. Unwillingness to see one's needs as information needs, inability to articulate one's information needs, unawareness of information sources, low self-efficacy, poor search skills among others were identified as cognitive barriers to information seeking in the digital environment. Based on the findings of this chapter, the study recommends that for persons who are adjudged to be the older generation, it is imperative for them to acquire requisite ICT skills that will make it easier for them to navigate the digital environment. There is also a clarion call on African leaders to provide infrastructures that will enable ICT to thrive as the digital environment is fast replacing the hitherto traditional one.