Abstract
This study explores the sustainability of digital collections in the Nigerian academic library
context and recommends measures that consider best practices based on the qualitative
perspectives of practising librarians. This study uses a multiple data-gathering method that
included interviews and focus groups using a purposeful election procedure of 25 skilled
librarians and ICT staff involved in the management of digital collections. Qualitative data
was analysed via a thematic analysis method with the assistance of NVivo. The findings
reveal the Nigerian librarians‟ practices of sustainability of digital collections based on six
main sustainability constructs: access, user community, content, organisational, technological
and cultural. This study extends the digital library sustainability model to encompass the SDC
from an in-depth perspective of practising librarians and ICT personnel in a developing
country facing numerous challenges in the acquisition, providing access and maintenance of
digital collections.
Keywords: Sustainability, Digital collections, Digital library, Librarians, Nigeria
Publication Date: 2024-05-15