150 Days of Progress: Ebijuwa Transforms Olusegun Oke Library

The Olusegun Oke Library at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has experienced a remarkable era under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Adefunke Sarah Ebijuwa, the University Librarian. In just a few months, Dr. Ebijuwa’s visionary approach has ushered in groundbreaking changes that cement the library's reputation as a hub of innovation and academic excellence.

Since assuming office, Dr. Ebijuwa has focused on elevating the library's relevance in the digital age while honoring its rich legacy. With the launch of BIBLIOTHECA: International Journal of Library and Information Science, the library now serves as a global platform for academic discourse. Following her leadership role, the library also successfully hosted the 2024 Oyo State Nigerian Library Association Conference. 

While recognizing the value of effective communication, Dr. Ebijuwa has introduced newsletters and user-centered feedback systems to foster stronger connections in the library. “Orientation sessions were conducted for new staff, while refresher sessions were organized to enhance the skills of existing staff, focusing on effective service delivery and courteous customer service," she added.

The University Librarian further noted that the library has made significant strides in digital innovation by establishing a dedicated Systems Unit to manage e-library systems independently. In so doing, a temporary e-library was set up at the Iseyin Campus, and a mobile library app is slated for launch in early 2025. More so, she stated that enhancements such as comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage, an intranet server for offline access, and the addition of over 20 free academic databases have revolutionized research capabilities.

Dr. Ebijuwa, noted that over 2,000 first-year students were registered on Koha which provides seamless access to the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) and digital resources. In addition, she explained that a comprehensive library blog was also developed to facilitate access to resources and support accreditation processes. She added that patron-driven acquisition was also introduced to align resources with institutional needs and avoid wasteful expenditures.

In line with global trends, the University Librarian, Dr. Ebijuwa maintained that environmental sustainability and student accessibility remained top priorities. She also emphasized that initiatives such as energy-efficient systems and digital resource optimization reflect the library's commitment to global sustainability goals. Adding to these, she played a pivotal role in the accreditation of 15 programs, including those at the main campus and three new programs at the Iseyin Campus.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Ebijuwa expressed profound gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Razaq Olatunde Kalilu, and the entire management team for their invaluable support. She also praised the library staff for their immeasurable dedication and contributions toward these achievements. “Your immeasurable love and commitment to excellence have made all these achievements possible,” she added.

Looking ahead to 2025, Dr. Ebijuwa called on the LAUTECH community to join her in continuing the journey of growth and innovation. “Together, we will continue to build a library that exceeds expectations and serves as a beacon of academic excellence,” she concluded.