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Libraries Without Walls and Open and Distance Learning in Africa: The Nigerian Experience
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Abstract
PCF5: Cross-Cutting Theme // Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is gradually gaining ground in Africa. Even though ODL in
Africa is still saddled with teething problems, workers, politicians, school leavers and the general
public are trooping into ODL institutions to acquire education. // Nigeria is a new comer in Open and Distance Learning. The experiences of several open and
distance learning institutions viz: Open University of United Kingdom (OUUK), Athabasca
University (Canada’s Open University), Open University of Hong Kong, Indira Gandhi National
Open University, (IGNOU), University of South Africa (UNISA), etc have provided a baseline for
the take off of the only Open University in Nigeria – the National Open University of Nigeria
(NOUN). // Libraries are indispensable in every facet of higher education. Effective library support to distance
learners is mandatory for qualitative delivery of instruction and learning. Information and
Communications Technology (ICT) has transformed all aspects of society particularly information
dissemination. The development of libraries without walls has definite benefits to distance
learners. Developed and developing countries are creating Virtual learning environments and
libraries without walls to reach multitudes of learners at various locations. // This paper examines the general experiences of Open and Distance Learning in Africa, the
evolution of ODL in Nigeria and the structure of library services provided to distant learners
particularly in Nigeria. It examines the challenges in creating and providing library without walls
for distance education and the prospects of library without walls in a developing country like
Nigeria. The paper will also present a discussion on how NOUN is developing creative solutions
to the challenges. // Paper ID 399
Country
Nigeria
Region
Africa
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Date
2008
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Commonwealth of Learning (COL)