University of Nebraska - Lincoln

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Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal) Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

September 2020

Sensitization and Awareness Creation as Tools for Curbing

Perceived Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on University Library
Users in Nigeria
Ashiver Elizabeth Annune PhD, CLN,MNLA
Federal University of Agriculture, Nigeria, ashiverliz@gmail.com

Jessica Ahemen Agoh PhD, CLN, MNLA

Federal University of Agriculture, Nigeria, jessicaagoh@gmail.com

Doocivir Faith Annune CLN

Federal University of Agriculture, Nigeria, doocivirannune@gmail.com

Dominic Aondohemba Ihongo CLN, MNLA

Federal University of Agriculture, Nigeria, domihongo@gmail.com

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Annune, Ashiver Elizabeth PhD, CLN,MNLA; Agoh, Jessica Ahemen PhD, CLN, MNLA; Annune, Doocivir
Faith CLN; and Ihongo, Dominic Aondohemba CLN, MNLA, "Sensitization and Awareness Creation as
Tools for Curbing Perceived Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on University Library Users in Nigeria" (2020).
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 4192.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/4192
Sensitization and Awareness Creation as Tools for Curbing Perceived Effects of COVID-
19 Pandemic on University Library Users in Nigeria
By

Annune, A.E. PhD, CLN, MNLA

mailto:ashiverliz@gmail.com

Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria

Agoh, J.A. PhD, CLN, MNLA

mailto:jessicaagoh@gmail.com

Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria

Annune, D.F. MNLA

mailto:doocivirannune@gmail.com

Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria

Ihongo D. A CLN, MNLA

mailto:domihongo@gmail.com

Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract
The devastated effects of Corona-virus Disease, 2019 (COVID-19) on humanity have
grounded every sphere of human endeavour including university libraries. University
libraries are so concerned about the safety and well being of its users hence, the struggle to
put all mechanism in place for their maximum comfort. As a result, this paper discusses
sensitization and awareness creation as tools for curbing the effects of COVID-19 pandemic
on University Library users in Nigeria. Specifically, it looks at the emergence of COVID-19
and its global effect, effects of COVID-19 on university libraries, sensitization and awareness
creation of COVID-19 pandemic by University libraries, Current Awareness Services (CAS);
a device for sensitization and awareness creation of COVID-19 to library users, COVID-19
symptoms and mode of transmission, Preventative measures of Covid-19 and strategies on
library users such as fumigation, use of internet and Web 2.0 technologies, provision of
water, soap and hand sanitizers.
Keywords: COVID-19, Sensitization, Awareness creation, Current Awareness Services
(CAS) and University library.

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Introduction:

The emergence of Corona-virus as a global pandemic is of paramount concern to the

world and university libraries in particular. University libraries on daily bases witness influx
of users with different health conditions however, the reality of COVID-19 as a deadly
disease in Nigeria poses even a greater risk to its users. Research has it that, when an
individual comes in contact with an infected person, there are high chances of an individual
becoming a victim and the end result in most cases is death as no vaccine has being
discovered yet. As a result, university libraries may adopt sensitization and awareness
creation as tools to curb radical effects of this notorious COVID-19 on university library
users.
Emergence of Corona-virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its Global Effects
Corona-virus disease 2019 which is popularly known as COVID-19 is a global
pandemic that has received worldwide attention because of its destructive nature to humanity.
Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC, 2020) affirmed that, Novel Corona-virus is a
new strain of the virus that has not been previously identified in human beings. They
advanced that, SARS-Cov-2 is the virus that causes corona-virus disease 2019 (COVID- 19).
This disease was initially named as the 2019-novel corona-virus (2019-nCoV) on 12 January
2020 but was later officially named by World Health Organization (WHO) as corona-virus
disease 2019 (COVID- 19). Although, Guo etal, (2020) stated that, Corona-virus Study
Group (CSG) of the Inter- national Committee proposed to name the new Corona-virus as
SARS-CoV-2, both was issued on 11 February 2020. However, World Health Organization
on 30 January 2020 officially declared the COVID-19 epidemic as a public health emergency
of international concern (WHO, 2020). Corona-virus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a flu-like
illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome. It is an unknown acute respiratory
disease that spreads mainly through the respiratory tract killing thousands of people across
the nations, countries and continents. Boston University (2020) revealed the best current
medical knowledge which indicates that around 80-85% of those affected experience only
mild illness, with cough and fever. They further maintained that, generally about 14% of
older individuals or those with underlying medical issues suffer from more severe symptoms
with 5% becoming critically ill. The intermediate source of origin and transfer of COVID-19
in the twenty-first century to humans is not yet clearly known; however, the rapid human to

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human transfer is traceable to bats which were suspected as natural host of virus origin that
infect humans as confirmed widely.
The sudden outbreak of a novel corona-virus has killed more than eighteen thousand
and infected over seventy thousand individuals within the first fifty days of the epidemic.
Wang et al. (2020) pointed out that, this disease cuts across all ages but the most affected
median age group is 47-59 years and mostly females. However, Wang, Tang, & Wei, & Yang
et al., (2020) revealed that, the disease tends to progress faster in elderly people, aged 65
years or more. Similarly, more than 100 children were infected with the youngest being
30hours after birth, neonates need more attention and care due to their immature or weak
immune system (Wang, Qi, Bao, Li & Shi, 2020). Also, as of 1st March 2020, WHO, (2020)
reported a total of 87,137 confirmed cases of COVID -19 globally, out of which 79,968 of the
confirmed cases were in China and 7,169 outside of China, with 2,977 deaths. However, on
8th April 2020, TVC News reported an update of COVID-19 as revealed by Nigerian
Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 briefing that globally, a total of 1,500, 000 were
confirmed cases of COVID -19, 85, 000 deaths and 310, 000 recoveries. Furthermore, Center
for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU, 2020)
disclosed on Thursday 9th April, the global update of COVID-19 cases as 1,531,914 and
deaths recorded were 89,681. In Africa, The Africa Centre for Disease Control and
Prevention (Africa CDC, 2020) reported on Monday 13th April, the total number of 13,814
confirmed cases of Corona-virus disease (COVID-19), 747 deaths and 2,355 recovered cases
across the continents. Globally, the numbers of infected persons keep on rising day by day
despite the modalities put in place to eradicate it. Since 31 December 2019 and as of 27
April 2020, 2, 914, 507 global cases of COVID-19 have been reported, including 205, 923
deaths. They further revealed that in the African continent a total of 31, 748 cases was
confirmed with 1, 415 deaths (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
(ECDC), 2020).
COVID-19 has rapidly spread across the continents, countries, territories and areas
including Nigeria. The first case of this virus in Nigeria was reported in February 2020 when
an Italian tested positive in Lagos since then, there has been series of attempts to stop the
spread of this virus. Despite this, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on 8th April, 2020
reported that, Nigeria had the total number of 254 confirmed cases of COVID -19, 44
discharged, 19 new cases with 6 deaths. This was alleged to have been locally contacted
through Nigerian citizens in Diaspora whom as a result of the pandemic returned to the

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country for safety. Shortly after, TVC News on the 9th April 2020, revealed a total of 276
cases, 226 active Cases, 44 discharged cases and 6 deaths in Nigeria. Furthermore, on
Saturday, 11th April 2020 they gave an increased update of COVID-19 cases in Nigeria as
318, 70 discharged cases and 10 deaths. In addition, Balogun on Saturday 25th April 2020
reported on channels TV that, Nigeria has the total number of 1095 confirmed cases, 32
deaths, 208 discharge and 114 new cases of COVID-19. In spite of the “Stay at Home” policy
adopted by Nigerian Government to stop the spread of COVID-19, cases have continued to
increase. NCDC (2020) advanced that, as of 27th April 2020, Nigeria confirmed 1,273 cases,
40 deaths and 239 discharged cases of COVID-19 in 32 states and the Federal Capital
Territory, Abuja.

Effects of COVID-19 on University Libraries

The devastated effects of COVID-19 on humanity has hold the world to a standstill
whereby people have fear of interaction, hand shake, embrace, and constriction in houses
living the streets, markets, worship canters and offices empty including university libraries
which is a hub of academic activities. Boston University Academy (2020) emphasized that,
effects of this outbreak have already touched the lives of many in Boston University
community, either personally or through those they love and the threat of this illness can
generate real anxiety with its own set of symptoms. As a result, Boston University ordered
the closure of University activities to prevent the spread of COVID-19 disease however, set
up a COVID-19 hotline for students, faculty, staff and visiting scholars. Ashworth (2020)
stated that, Pearson the head, Library of Congress lamented the “Shut down the library or
people could die” and this led to the closure of more than 3,000 libraries across the United
States, including the branch of the Chicago Public Library, to help slow the spread of Covid-
19. The hope among library advocates is that, the corona-virus closures will spark more
awareness of the services the brick-and-mortar institutions offer. Stockton (2020) advocated
that, university of Nevada libraries comprised of several open public spaces with hundreds of
daily visitors therefore; these libraries take seriously the need to help mitigate the spread of
germs and illnesses. In addition, he maintained that, the university libraries have increased
sanitization of facilities in response to COVID-19. Relatively, Nigerian Universities have
also experienced total closure of their libraries as measure to curtail the spread of COVID-19
to users. However, the perceived effects of COVID-19 on users in Nigerian University
Libraries could be seen in the following ways:

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 1. The physical arrangement of the university libraries: the arrangement of university
libraries, especially ICT and reading areas are compacted therefore if users come in
contact with other infected users then the virus can easily be spread from one user to
another.
2. Library fumigations: if among users there are cases of COVID-19 and the library is
not frequently fumigated then, chances of users becoming infected with the virus will
be high.
3. Provision and use of sanitized wipes/cleaning facilities: if university library fails to
make provision as well as use sanitized wipes/cleaning facilities for cleaning of
shelves, reading racks, computers, laptops, printers, photocopiers, floors and print
information resources then it will easily spread as an infected user touches any of
these objects.
4. Hand sanitizers: if university libraries are not financially buoyant to provide hand
sanitizers in every division, unit, or section and an infected user touches any surface
in the library then it will be contaminated and spread to other users.
5. Orientation: if library users are not properly oriented about COVID-19 pandemic then
they will not be able to identify an infected user therefore not avoid and report
identified case(s) for proper measures to be taken by the library administration.
As a result of this, Nigerian University Libraries are duty bound to take proactive
sensitization as well as create awareness to ensure that library users stay safe from
COVID-19 pandemic.
Sensitization and awareness creation of COVID-19 pandemic by university libraries
Sensitization according to Business Dictionary.com is an attempt to make one or
others aware of and responsive to certain ideas, events, situation or phenomenon. In this
instance, sensitization is the process of making library users aware of the existence of
COVID 19 in the world and its consequences on humanity in order to stay safe even in the
university library. On the other hand, awareness is to know that something exists or to
understand a situation or a subject at current moment based on information/experience
(Okon, & Ahiauzu, 2008). It can also be understood as knowledge of a situation, truth,
conscience, knowledge, achievement, understanding and perception. Akpojotor (2016) asserts
that, awareness is the knowledge or perception of a situation, fact, consciousness,
recognition, realization, grasp and acknowledgement concerned about and well-informed
interest or familiarity in a particular situation or development. It implies that knowledge can
be gained through perception or by means of outside information. Microsoft Encarta
5
Dictionary (2009) defined awareness from three perspectives as: i) having knowledge of
something from an observation or being told of. ii) Noticing or realizing that something exists
or is happening and iii) Being knowledgeable, well-informed about what is going on in the
world or about the latest development in a sphere of activity. Awareness creation is the act of
making people knowledgeable about the existence of a situation or phenomenon. It is a
veritable information tool used by libraries to carry out sensitization activities to the society
hence; libraries remain the last resort of users for acquiring latest information pertaining to all
works of life.
Libraries play important roles in the intellectual development of an individual as well
as the total development of a society. It is the most enduring and flexible agency for learning
and has been in existence for over two millennia transcending even the first universities
(Bundy, 2004). University libraries have long been recognized as the "hearts" of their
universities. Thus, American Library Association (ALA) (2010) described the University
library as the “heart of the University”. It is the brain and the centre point of intellectual
activities. In a similar vein, Oyewusi (2009) maintained that, university library is the
academic heart of the university system and its basic purpose is to provide university staff,
students and other researchers with materials, assistances and enabling environment that
would facilitate teaching, learning and research. Effective information provisions are
tantamount to institution’s excellence and quality. The primary aim of university library is to
support educational objectives of teaching, learning, research, and cultural development of
their parent institutions. Oriogu, Chukwuemeka & Oriogu-Ogbuiyi (2018) stipulated that, the
major aim of university library is to promote the tripartite objectives (teaching, learning and
research) of education through the provision of adequate and relevant information resources
and services in both print and non-print format to users.
Library users are one of the important components of library organization system that
make provision of information paramount. Obiozor and Ogbonna (2007) observed that the
entire human and material resources in a library are put in place at considerable expense for
the overall purpose of providing effective services to the library user. Library users are
people who often patronize the library system for information update as well as to keep
abreast with information of their interest which is subject to constant change. Aina quoted in
Suleiman & Jimah (2017) considered library users as all those who exploit the services given
by the library. Library users visit the library to receive sufficient, significant and up-to-date
information in print and non-printed forms for effective teaching, learning and research that
meets their information needs and allow them to make important decisions (Ganiyu, Edale &
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Oluwafemi, 2014). Right information to the right user at the right time in the right format is
regarded as highly essential as the philosophy of librarianship. According to Aina (2004)
users are critical to the practice of librarianship and that all processes revolve round the users.
Users are the focal points of university libraries hence their primary objective is to provide
relevant information services to users.
In the field of librarianship, user service is an essential aspect of information service
delivery. American Library Association (ALA) (2000) maintains that user’s service is the
part of library and information service delivery that is devoted to the provision of assistance,
advices and other services to the library users. The accomplishment of these functions
depends on the available information and efficiency in delivering effective information
services to university library users. Rhima (2014) stated that library and information services
are mechanisms designed and deployed by the library to deliver services to users. Information
service delivery facilitates the exploitation of library resources and services by library users.
University library services such as Current Awareness Service (CAS) are a veritable channel
to be used in sensitizing and creating awareness to users about the reality of COVID 19 in
Nigeria to cushion the effect of this deathly disease. Uzohue and Yaya (2016) identified
methods and tools for CAS as internet and web 2.0 technologies, Online medical and
bibliographic databases like: (Medline/pub med, Hinari, Ajol, OVID full text, Elsevier,
Science direct, EBSCO and OPAC i.e. online catalogues), Use of social networking Media
like (blogs, rich site summary, Flickrs, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube.), Mobile phone
services such as sending of bulk text messages, e-mail and e-alert services, packaging of
information to meet specific demands, analysis and interpretation of information, selection
and evaluation of sources. The question is, how well informed are university library users in
this era of COVID-19? As a result, sensitizing and creating awareness through Current
Awareness Service (CAS) by university libraries will raise users’ consciousness about
COVID-19 and all its circumstances.
Current Awareness Service (CAS) as a device for sensitization and awareness creation
of COVID-19 to university library users
Current Awareness Service (CAS) is a statutory duty which the university libraries
provide to meet information needs of their users. University libraries have over the years
played a significant role in the lives of users by sensitizing and creating awareness on all
issues emerging in the society including health related information. Ashikuzzaman (2014)
submitted that, Current Awareness Service (CAS) is an awareness service that keeps
university library users well-informed, up-to-date in their field of research and makes users
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aware of the current developments that are taking place in their areas of interest. It is
awareness service which is directed towards all library users. Unegbu (2013) asserted that,
CAS can be defined as bringing to the notice of information users current knowledge helpful
to development in their area of specialization. It entails collating current information and
circulating such to all the users. Kamber (2008) opined that, CAS is the most used
information services to support research activities. University libraries compile current
awareness bulletins, reading lists, table of contents and bibliographies to serve its users.
All university library staff through Current Awareness Services (CAS) are charged
with the responsibility of creating awareness to library users of what is happening in their
localities, communities, state, country, continent and the whole world especially in this era of
COVID-19 pandemic. CAS is a device developed by university libraries to render
information services to all library users. According to Guha (2005) CAS is a device of an
information system through which the users of information can be informed promptly after
the publication. It is an information device designed by libraries to create awareness to users
on the current library acquisitions in respective of the content. Aguolu and Aguolu (2002)
pointed out that, Current Awareness Service (CAS) is designed to alert users of new or
current information services/resources that might satisfy their needs. They further maintained
that this service is usually delivered through a weekly or bi-weekly bulletin of new additions
to the library stock systematically arranged usually by subjects and distribution of
photocopies of content pages of current journals to respective departments and individuals
etc. CAS can be provided in many ways including by telephone, display, routine of
periodicals, list of latest additions, list of latest periodical received, topical bibliographical on
demand, content page service, news clipping service and electronic mail and bulletin board
services. Other tools used for sensitization and awareness creation according to Uzohue and
Yaya (2016) are internet which provide many services including World Wide Web (Web 2.0
technologies), e-resources-Alert, and electronic mails. They further maintained that, Web
refers collection of information that is accessible through blogs, discussion forum, MySpace,
Linkedln and e-Alert. It is a powerful platform for providing access to information via the
internet and web 2.0 technologies that has greatly facilitated CAS activities of sending
information to individuals or group of individuals with likeminded interest. These tools may
greatly enhanced CAS in capturing, sensitizing and creating awareness about COVID -19 to
library users through Library blog site or library face book account and mobile phone
services. With this, University libraries can embark on ways to sensitize and create awareness

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of COVID-19 symptoms and transmission to library users’ to help protect them against this
virus.
COVID-19 Symptoms and modes of transmission
University libraries are responsible for the safety of their users therefore, needs to
carry out sensitization exercise in order to create awareness of COVID-19 symptoms and
modes of transmission to library users. Riou and Althaus (2020) pointed out signs and
symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing, malaise, myalgia, headache,
diarrhoea, fatigue and a small population of patients appeared gastrointestinal infection,
shivering including body aches, diarrhoea, headache, sore throat and runny nose. Research
has shown that symptoms such as itching throat, extreme dry throat, dry cough, high
temperature, fever, shortness of breath etc,. COVID-19 primarily spread from person to
person via respiratory droplets, respiratory secretions and direct contact with an infected
person when cough or sneezes (Li, Guan, Wu, Wang, Zhou, Tong, et al., 2020). Research has
it that, people who develop these symptoms within 14 days after travel to countries where
corona-virus is known to be circulating should seek medical care early and share information
about their travel history with their healthcare providers. WHO (2020) asserted that, for most
people, COVID-19 infection will cause mild illness which will make some people very ill
and, in some people, it can be fatal especially in older people and those with pre-existing
medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease or diabetes are
at risk for severe disease. They further advanced that; a person who experienced any one of
the following exposures may contact this disease through:
1. Face-to-face contact with a confirmed case within 1 meter and for more than 15 minutes.
2. Direct physical contact with a confirmed case.
3. Direct care for a patient with confirmed COVID-19 disease without using proper personal
protective equipments.
4. Other situations as indicated by local risk assessments.
COVID-19 can be transmitted from person to person, touching of objects first touched
by an infected person. Riou and Althaus (2020) maintained that COVID-19 is sustained
through human-to-human transmission, along with many exported cases across the globe.
Also, Shereen, Khan, Kazmi, Bashir and Siddique (2020) pointed out that, corona-virus
disease 19 (COVID-19) is a highly transmittable and pathogenic viral infection caused by
severe acute respiratory syndrome corona-virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which emerged in Wuhan,
China and spread around the world. They further advanced that during the first 2 months of

9
the current outbreak, Covid-19 spread rapidly throughout China and caused varying degrees
of illness.
Preventative measures of Covid-19
University libraries can create awareness to library users on the preventive measures
needed to be taken in order to curb the rapid effect of Covid-19. Shereen, Khan, Kazmi,
Bashir and Siddique (2020) advanced that, as corona-virus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
pandemic continue to increase, a number of countries and territories are adopting restrictive
measures based on physical distancing, aimed at preventing human-to-human transmission
and thereby limiting virus propagation, nationwide lockdowns, encompassing mass
quarantine under stay-at-home ordinances, have already been proven effective to contain the
COVID-19 outbreak in some countries. They further affirmed that, a prolonged home stay
may also be associated with potential side effects, which may jeopardize peoples’ health.
Some of the consequences of prolonged home stay are physical inactivity, weight gain,
behavioural addiction disorders, insufficient sunlight exposure and social isolation. UNICEF
(2020) concurred that:

1. Use of masks: Corona is a large virus with the diameter of 400-500 micros; therefore,
the use of any type of mask can prevent entry into our bodies and does not necessarily
need to use expensive masks.
2. Touching of objects: Corona virus does not float in air, but sticks to objects, so that
transmission is not through the air. When attached to a metal surface, the corona virus
can live for 12 hours.
3. Washing hands with soap and water is enough: frequent washing of hands with soap
and flowing water for 20 seconds will prevent the spread of COVID -19.
4. Washing clothes: When attached to cloth, the corona virus can live for 9 hours, so
washing clothes or drying it in the sun for 2 hours is enough to kill the virus.
5. Use of alcohol-based sterilizer: When attached to human hands, the corona virus can
live for 10 minutes, so that use of alcohol-based sterilizer to wash hands is enough to
prevent its transmission from person to person.
6. Avoid cold environment and foods: Avoid cold weather areas of 26-27°C, the corona-
virus will die because it does not live in hot areas. In addition, drinking hot water,
eating hot foods and basking in the sun is enough precaution.
7. Gargling: Gargling with warm water and salt will kill the corona virus around the
pharynx preventing it from entering the lungs.

10
 In addition, City Health Services, Cape Town (2020) pointed out the following basic
hygiene measures as protection against the infection of Covid-19: Wash your hands
frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and
mouth with unwashed hands, cover your mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or
sneezing as small droplets that come out of your nose or mouth can carry germs, dispose the
used tissue in a bin immediately and wash your hands, if a tissue is not available, cough or
sneeze into your upper sleeve. Avoid close contact with people who have fever and cough.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. In addition, sanitize your hands,
bed linen and clothes by frequently washing and cleaning your environments with
recommended sanitizers, wearing of hand gloves and face mask to avoid contamination and
transmission, proper hand washing, personal hygiene and creating social distancing (GP
Nurse in UK, 2020). In order to stop the spread of COVID-19 in day to day activities, new
handshake alternatives were recommended as: saluting form a distance, foot bump, elbow
bump, hip bump, bow, wave and Namaste (folding your hands together as if you are praying)
etc,. Also, Stockton (2020) revealed measures taken by the University of Nevada to curb the
spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the library as follows:
1. Use of disinfectants: All public computers/ keyboards and surfaces are currently
disinfected weekly. Additional disinfecting wipes are available to libraries users at all public
service desks at all locations.
2. Sanitization: Users are encouraged to visit public service desk to grab a wipe to use to
sanitize a computer or room for additional protection. Opportunities to sanitize your hands
with hand sanitizers exist throughout the libraries. Hand sanitizers are provided at the service
desk in all the libraries. All public service desk surfaces are being wiped down several times
a day at all locations. Entry door handles to the library are sanitized daily. Self check-out
machine in the libraries are also sanitized several times each day.
3. Creation of university corona-virus page: Users should be encouraged to continuously
monitor the University’s Novel Corona-virus Information Page (UNCIP) which is frequently
updated. The page contains the latest information from a variety of sources, as well as tips for
faculty, students, and staff regarding issues that could arise from corona-virus.
In addition, Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC, 2020) pointed out that, in
order to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19, the following should be strictly adhered
to:
1. Wash your hands frequently with soap under running water for at least 20 seconds or
use an alcohol-based sanitizer if water is not available.
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 2. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness, maintain at
least 2 metres (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or
sneezing repeatedly.
3. Do not mingle with people or congregate if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever,
cough, sneezing or difficulty breathing.
4. Cover your mouth and nose properly with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing.
Dispose of the tissue properly immediately after use. You may also cough into your
elbow if a tissue is not available.
5. Obey national and state directives requesting the cancellation and avoidance of large
gatherings including places of worship, social and sporting events.
Based on this, university libraries can develop strategies for curbing the effects of COVID-19
on library users in Nigeria.
Strategies for curbing the effects of COVID-19 on library users
Drastic downturn of COVID-19 on humanity has made everybody to be more careful
in their day to day activities to avoid contacting the virus. As a result university libraries
should perhaps adopt strategies for sensitizing and creating awareness to help curb the rapid
effects of COVID-19 on library users as follows:

1. Fumigation of the university library: university library environment should be well

fumigated to disinfect the existence of diseases including COVID-19.
2. Provision of water, soap and hand sanitizers: university libraries should ensure the
provision of water, soap and hand sanitizers at both the entrance and exit of libraries
and also sensitize users on the need to wash and sanitize their hands at regular
intervals in the cause of library usage.
3. Display of prints COVID-19 information resources on display rack: new arrivals on
COVID-19 should be displayed on the rack to create awareness to users.
4. Visual display of COVID-19 documentaries: COVID-19 documentaries should be a
routine duty of the university libraries, usually displayed at the strategic areas of the
libraries.
5. COVID-19 Jingles: through audio-visual units, university libraries should provide
COVID-19 jingles to help enlighten and prevent the spread of this virus.
6. Carrying out sensitization and awareness creation match: University library staff
should carry out sensitization and awareness creation match on the campuses to

12
 further demonstrate or dramatize how COVID-19 is contacted and the preventive
measures.
7. Provision of serial materials on COVID-19: Libraries should provide serial materials
on COVID-19 such as flayers, pamphlets, leaflets, journals, magazines, newspapers,
etc.
8. Use of Internet and Web 2.0 Technologies: Through Internet and Web 2.0
technologies, different social media platforms are available to be used by libraries to
sensitize and create awareness such as facebook, myspace, youtube, flickr, twitter,
linkedIn, wikis, blogs, library thing, Really Simple Syndication (RSS), social
networking, social bookmarking, content holding services, podcasting, mashups and
folksonomies, library 2.0., E-mail alert, mobile phones services, use of social
networking, access my library, Zinio, etc.
9. Social distance: university library arrangement should be adjusted to ensure social
distance among staff and users. Also, library users should be sensitized on how to
leave 5meters away from each other in the cause of discussion.
Conclusion

COVID-19 pandemic is a death sentence to thousands of people across the world in

the 21st century including university library users. This virus has no authentic traceable origin
however, believed to have emerged from Bats. An infected person exhibits a number of
symptoms such as fever, cough, high body temperature, etc. The disease can easily be
transmitted from human to human through coming in contact with an infectious person,
touching contaminated objects, sneezing, coughing, etc. Nevertheless, preventive measures
were identified to help library users stay safe both within and outside the boundaries of
university libraries. Through current awareness services (CAS), university libraries in Nigeria
will sensitize and create awareness to curb the effects of COVID-19 on its users hence, their
safety is of paramount concern of every establishment including libraries.

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