PROFILE: Meet Professor Chinwe Anunobi, the new National Librarian
In what many observers have described as a paradigm shift in almost all sectors and fields in Nigeria, the national library of Nigeria is currently experiencing a surge with the appointment of Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi as the new national librarian of the federal republic of Nigeria.
Last week, President Muhammadu Buhari approved the appointment of Professor Chinwe Veronica Anunobi as the National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria for a 5-year tenure.
IT STARTED WITH EDUCATION
The journey to becoming Prof Anunobi didn't happen overnight, it started with a love for knowledge via education. For Prof, education is a weapon and when used properly, it can transform the fortune of a family and by extension, a nation.
Prof Anunobi had her first degree in Biology Education at the University of Nigeria in 1992 and a master of library science at the Imo State University, Owerri, in 1997.
Between 2003 to 2004, Prof attended the national university commission’s virtual institute for higher education pedagogy with various certifications and honours ( Honours Certificate: Teaching Large Classes Module 1, Credit Certificate: Empowering Women in Higher Education Module, Distinction Certificate: Empowering Students with Special Needs, Honours Certificate: Guidance and Counselling in Higher Education, and Honours Certificate: New Technologies in Teaching and learning in Higher Education)
Because of her love for knowledge and impact, Prof went ahead and beg a PhD in Library and Information science in 2006 with various publications to her name.
In 2021, she became a professor in the federal republic of Nigeria.
…IN THE BEGINNING
Prof Anunobi began her work as a librarian at the Federal University of Technology in Owerri, Nigeria, where she helped to develop the ICT section, the Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Center, and the University Library’s automation. As a Digital Librarian at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Nigeria, she pioneered the establishment and development of a digital library.
Professor Anunobi rose to become a former University Librarian at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri in Nigeria.
LECTURER AFTER GOD’S HEART
The saying that a teacher reward is in heaven, is somewhat true because we can not fully reward some of them. Prof. Anunobi is one such lecturer whose reward is both in heaven and on earth.
In her days as a lecturer, Prof. was involved in the creation of new and aspiring LIS professionals as a lecturer in polytechnics and universities, particularly in the area of ICT use in libraries.
She is a prominent figure in the national mentoring program for the use of information technology in library and information science operations and services. She has around fifteen masters and doctoral students under her supervision.
She is a Mortenson Center for International Library Program Associate, a United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) certified trainee on Innovation Collaborative for Development, an e-Learning course on Social Media, and a graduate of Galilee International Management Institute (GIMI) Israel.
OVER 60 PUBLICATIONS AND COUNTING
She has over 60 publications in national and international journals, including the chapter “Technology Librarian in a Developing Country” in the book A Day in the Life: Career Options in Library and Information Science and IFLA Publication 139: Strategies for Regenerating the Information Professions.
Prof. Anunobi is a chartered member of the Nigerian Library Association and the Profession’s Information Technology Section. She has participated in and helped organize numerous national and international conferences and seminars. She is a regular attendee at IFLA conferences, where she has given numerous presentations.
More of her publications HERE
She is interested in networking, mentoring, and research related to the use of ICT in library and information science, as well as the requirements of library users. She specializes in the creation and management of digital libraries, as well as Open Educational Resources.
Prof. Anunobi is happily married to Mr. Sonny Anunobi, and they have four children together.
