Application of Agile Method in Building Innovative Library Services in University Libraries in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper on the Application of the Agile Method in Building Innovative Library Services in University Libraries in Nigeria ascertained the use of the agile method in creating innovative library services, identified different types of innovative services created using the agile method, determined the benefits of using agile methods in creating the innovative library services and identified the challenges of using the agile method in creating innovative library services. To drive home, the stated objectives, this paper is a descriptive survey research design where a questionnaire and interview were used as the instruments for collection of data, and the data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics while the interview was given a thematic analysis. A total number of forty-one (41) Librarians made up the research population, 24 librarians from Prof. Festus Aghagbo Nwakor Library, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, and 17 librarians from Donald E.U. Ekong Library, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Three librarians from each of the university libraries studied were randomly selected as the interviewee for the research. The findings of this research revealed that the agile method is very useful in the library and can be used for easy adaptation to technological advancement where innovative services such as capacity building and institutional repository services can be created. It was revealed to be beneficial in the development of new skills and building strong teams, although the method is faced with some challenges of dependencies between team members and less documentation among others. It was concluded that the agile method is an interesting method for building a collaborative healthy working environment. It is therefore recommended that the library management should adopt an agile method for the effective use and building of innovative, user-centered, and viable products and services in the library. Librarians should also be involved at every stage of the process to facilitate full acquaintance and ameliorate some challenges that may surface from the use of the method. Keywords: In University libraries, Agile Method, Innovative library services, Library users, Nigeria.