The changing role of the librarians in globalisation of higher education: issues, benefits and barriers

Changes in higher education, the new student-centered paradigm and new pedagogy approaches have also created a need for a reconceptualisation of the roles and responsibilities of librarians. Nigerian libraries, like their counterparts elsewhere, is faced with challenges of globalization. Library services now cuts across geographical boundaries. As an integral part of the campus, the academic library will be profoundly affected by changes in the academy itself. The authors of this paper examine the current trends and developments of globalization of higher education and the roles of the librarian to these changes. It also discusses various issues connected with globalization of education specifically, its implications, barriers and benefits for Nigerian libraries and librarians. Finally, the paper makes conclusion and recommendations on how Nigerian libraries can cope with and reap the full benefits of globalization.