The University has recorded another feat by hosting an International Conference on Libraries, Information Scientists and Cybernetics in the Era of Knowledge Economy (LISCKE). The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kolawole Salako, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Morenike Dipeolu, said the conference was aimed at bringing together information scientists and librarians to share experiences from the library world. The Vice-Chancellor commended participants, who came from various parts of the world, to make best of the conference.

Delivering his keynote address titled, “Paradigm Shift: Information Professionals in an Information Society”, Prof. Gabriel Alegbeleye of the Department of Information and Resources Management, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State described information as an asset, resource and trade-able commodity. “Getting information from the Internet is like trying to take a drink from a fire hydrant”, an exercise that positions librarians as people, who filter information down to a manageable flow level, he added.

Prof. Alegbeleye revealed that there is disconnect between libraries and users in the face of next generation. He said new generation of users should be attended to and should be passionate, purposeful, adaptable, flexible, quick information-seekers, and possess the capacity for multi-tasking. The don called on libraries to acquire more educational opportunities in the areas of industrial training expertise and online courses, adding that information in printed formats awaiting digitalisation, should be worked on and constant reviewed as well as library and information science school curriculum with the intention of gaining more visibility in academics.

Corroborating him, the lead paper presenter from the Oregon State University, United States of America, Prof. Richard Sapon-White, while delivering a paper on “Framing the Future: How Resources Description Access (RDA) and BIBFRAME Will Change the Future of Libraries”. Prof. Sapon-White added that RDA had been undergoing restructuring and redesigning known as pre-projects, despite using data, adding that the project had features for changing the bio-structure and redesigning the interface. Earlier, the University Librarian, Dr. Fehintola Onifade had noted that the conference was the first of its kind, which was aimed at bringing together librarians, information scientists, cyberians and other stakeholders in the information and knowledge-based professions, to exchange experiences and discuss current trends.

In his goodwill message, the Alake of Ega land, Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Gbadebo noted that librarians are vital to researchers in the acquisition of knowledge. The Alake, who was represented by the Baaroyin of Egba land, Chief Lai Labode, appreciated the organisers of the event, stating that Alake was very passionate about the acquisition and use of knowledge while a cultural night later took place, which provided a forum for the participants to freely interact and network.
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