Public Libraries in Nigeria: Scorecard Assessment in Western Senatorial District of Kogi State

Public libraries in Nigeria were established to meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs of the populace. This study assessed the performance of public libraries in Kogi West Senatorial District using a scorecard framework, with Stella Obasanjo Library in Lokoja as the only functional library. A descriptive survey design was adopted, involving 230 purposely selected users and staff. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Findings showed that while the library was spacious and accessible, it lacked reliable electricity, sanitation, security, and digital resources. Educational impact was low, with poor support for literacy, school research, and exam preparation. Resources were inadequate, with outdated collections, insufficient ICT tools, and staffing gaps. Though seen as socially inclusive, community outreach was limited. Hypothesis testing revealed no significant relationship between infrastructure or resource availability and literacy outcomes. The study concludes that systemic neglect and underfunding have limited the library’s impact, a situation that calls for urgent interventions from the government for necessary revitalization.