The National Library of Nigeria has issued more than one million International Standard Book Numbers since its establishment in 1974, according to its Chief Librarian and CEO, Prof. Veronica Anunobi.
Anunobi made this known on Sunday in Abuja during a press briefing monitored by The PUNCH in commomeration of the library’s 60th anniversary.
Anunobi, a scholar in Library and Information Science, also disclosed that the library has issued 27,755 International Standard Serial Numbers since 1976 and has recently started issuing International Standard Music Numbers for published music scores.
“We have issued 1,000,574 ISBNs to date, along with 27,755 ISSNs. This year, we made significant progress in fulfilling our mandate of issuing ISMNs, and several numbers have been assigned to published music scores,” Anunobi stated.
Highlighting the library’s future plans, Anunobi said the NLN is committed to preserving Nigeria’s intellectual and cultural heritage while adapting to the digital age.
“Our role as a custodian of Nigeria’s intellectual and cultural assets is evolving. We aim to enhance access, promote usage, and strengthen collaboration within the knowledge production ecosystem to drive national development,” she remarked.
The library’s 60th anniversary will also feature the unveiling of its new logo and a five-year strategic plan for 2025–2030.
This plan, themed ‘The Future of Libraries in a Digital Age: Preserving Heritage, Expanding Access, and Engaging Youth,’ emphasizes the institution’s focus on digital transformation and youth engagement.
“While we celebrate our milestones, we are also looking ahead. The new logo and strategic document represent our vision for the future—one where libraries play a pivotal role in education, research, and cultural development.”
Anunobi emphasized that the NLN’s strategic direction includes building smart library infrastructures, promoting open access, and enhancing global collaborations.
“With Nigeria’s large youth population and rising unemployment, our programmes must attract and empower young people, transforming them into valuable assets for the nation. Additionally, we aim to actively participate in global information-sharing initiatives and strengthen our networks for a sustainable future,” she added.
