Abstract
This paper entitled; Issues in funding of Public Libraries aim at critically analyzing the problems
associated with funding of Public Libraries in Nigeria. Its specific objectives are therefore to:
examines its existing funding sources, challenges associated with funding and strategies for
enhancing Public Libraries in Nigeria. The paper focused on funding particularly as a challenge
to Public Libraries in the Nigerian case. The paper adopted qualitative research design gathering
data from both primary and secondary sources of data. It was found that the dilapidated status of
Nigerian Public Libraries is as a result of over reliance on government for funding, and the
governments' inadequate funding to the libraries. The paper reiterated that Public Libraries can
operate better if they look at: advocacy, private donations, fundraising etc as alternative sources
of funds. It was then concluded that, the solutions to the problem of funding is the
implementation of alternative funding of the libraries, through library investments, donations,
advocacy etc. The paper recommended that Public Libraries should be adequately funded so as to
facilitate acquisition of information resources for utilization by the public. Public Libraries
should also implement alternative funding strategies to enable it function effectively and
efficiently.
Keywords: Funding, Public Libraries, Challenges and Solutions.
Publication Date: 2025-02-13