PUBLIC LIBRARIES AS COMMUNITY CHANGE AGENTS: FOCUS ON RURAL WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the role of public libraries as community change agents in empowering rural women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s challenging socioeconomic, cultural, and infrastructural landscape, the study highlights how rural women, despite being key drivers of grassroots economies, continue to grapple with information poverty, limited access to resources, and exclusion from formal support systems. Rural women entrepreneurs often face barriers such as low digital literacy, gender bias, poor infrastructure, and limited market access, all of which hinder their business growth and sustainability. Public libraries, with their unique mandate of providing free and equitable access to information, are strategically positioned to bridge these gaps. By offering access to digital tools, training, entrepreneurial information, and safe community spaces, libraries can empower women with the knowledge and skills required to thrive. However, the potential of public libraries in this regard remains underutilized due to systemic neglect, poor funding, and lack of targeted programs. Findings from this study reveal that where libraries are actively engaged, they contribute significantly to enhancing the capabilities of rural women entrepreneurs. Yet, many libraries lack the resources, staff training, and institutional support to fulfil this role effectively. The study concludes that repositioning public libraries as development hubs is essential for inclusive growth. It recommends increased government funding, public-private partnerships, gender-sensitive library programming, and community outreach initiatives to strengthen the impact of libraries on rural entrepreneurship.