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Kenneth Dike Library

The Chronicle of Kenneth Dike Library

Seven and a half decades of academic excellence at the University of Ibadan

Vol. 76, No. 1
Est. 1948
UI Historical Society

From "Librarian's Nightmare" to Digital Excellence: The Remarkable Journey of Kenneth Dike Library

When John Harris, a New Zealander, arrived at the University of Ibadan in 1948 to serve as the Pioneer Librarian, he described what he found as "a librarian's nightmare and a scene of book chaos."

Yet from this chaotic beginning, the Kenneth Dike Library has grown into one of Africa's premier academic libraries, with over 2 million printed volumes and more than 10 million digital resources.

The story of Kenneth Dike Library is one of transformation, resilience, and commitment to the academic mission of the University of Ibadan.

Kenneth Dike Library Building 1948
The Kenneth Dike Library as it appeared in its early years at University of Ibadan
1948-1968

The Foundation Era

The Kenneth Dike Library was established in 1948 alongside the University of Ibadan itself, making the library as old as the university.

The Pioneer Librarian, John Harris, a New Zealander, responded to Professor Kenneth Mellanby's vision: 'Whatever else we do I am determined that we have at least a good library'.

Harris described the situation he found on arrival as 'a librarian's nightmare and a scene of book chaos'.

Starting with 24 staff members including the University Librarian, Chief Cataloguer, six library assistants, four messengers, one porter, and five student assistants, Harris transformed the chaotic situation into a functional academic library that would serve as the foundation for decades of growth.

"Whatever else we do I am determined that we have at least a good library."

— Professor Kenneth Mellanby, First Principal of University College, Ibadan

1948
Year Established
24
Initial Staff
20
Years of Leadership
The Foundation Era

The Foundation Era - 1948-1968

1968-1987

The Growth Era

Under the successive leadership of Mr.

Khalil Mahmud and Mrs.

T.O.

Oderinde, the library experienced its most significant period of expansion.

The 1970s and 1980s witnessed considerable numerical growth in staff strength and collection development.

This era established the library as a central and conspicuous entity on the University of Ibadan campus, following the global pattern of academic libraries occupying crucial positions in university systems.

The library's collections grew substantially during this period, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become over two million volumes of printed materials including books, journals, dissertations, technical reports, and monographs.

"Libraries are crucial and important entities in University systems because they occupy central and conspicuous locations on campuses."

— Kenneth Dike Library Historical Records

19
Years of Expansion
2
Dynamic Leaders
1000s
Books Added
The Growth Era

The Growth Era - 1968-1987

1988-2003

The Modernisation Era

The leadership of Mrs.

Grace Olufunmilayo Tamuno and Mr.

J.E.

Ikem marked the beginning of the library's modernization journey.

This period saw the early stages of automation and the introduction of modern library management practices.

The library began to adapt to changing technological landscapes while maintaining its core mission of supporting teaching, learning, and research mandates of the University.

Economic challenges led to some reduction in staff strength due to adherence to National University Commission (NUC) norms, but the library's commitment to excellence remained unwavering.

This era set the stage for the digital transformation that would follow.

"The library provides information resources aimed at supporting and enhancing teaching, learning, and research mandates."

— Kenneth Dike Library Mission Statement

15
Years of Progress
2
Visionary Leaders
100%
Commitment to TLR
The Modernisation Era

The Modernisation Era - 1988-2003

2004-Present

The Digital Revolution

The modern era of Kenneth Dike Library has been characterized by unprecedented digital transformation.

Under the leadership of Dr.

B.A.

Oladele, Dr.

Helen Komolafe-Opadeji, and current University Librarian DR.

Mercy Ariomerebi Iroaganachi, the library has embraced the global shift from printed to electronic formats.

The library now provides access to over 10 million electronic volumes through databases like JSTOR, RESEARCH4LIFE, and PROQUEST/Ebrary.

The implementation of the University of Ibadan Integrated Library Software (UI-ILS) has enabled web-based access and inter-operability.

The launch of the University of Ibadan Institutional Repository (UIIR) in 2014 has provided wider visibility to the university's intellectual outputs, raising its profile in global web metric rankings.

"Digitisation serves two major purposes: Preservation for posterity and delivery of virtual library services."

— Kenneth Dike Library Digital Initiative

10M+
Electronic Volumes
2M+
Printed Materials
24/7
Digital Access
The Digital Revolution

The Digital Revolution - 2004-Present

Key Milestones

1948

Kenneth Dike Library established with University of Ibadan

1948

24 staff members including University Librarian and Chief Cataloguer

1970s

Considerable numerical growth in staff strength

1980s

Continued expansion and collection development

1990s

Early automation and modernization efforts

2000s

Introduction of electronic databases and digital resources

2014

Launch of University of Ibadan Institutional Repository (UIIR)

Present

Over 2 million printed volumes and 10+ million electronic resources

Library Management Team

Modern Services & Collections

Electronic Databases

Access to JSTOR, RESEARCH4LIFE, PROQUEST/Ebrary and over 10 million electronic volumes

UI-ILS System

University of Ibadan Integrated Library Software with web interface and OPAC access

Institutional Repository

UIIR launched in 2014 to showcase University of Ibadan's intellectual outputs globally

"

The Kenneth Dike Library stands as a testament to our enduring commitment to providing timely, current and accurate information in support of the teaching, learning, and research mandate of the University of Ibadan.

— Kenneth Dike Library Legacy Statement