Professionalizing the library and information science profession in Nigeria

This paper examines briefly the concept of profession and traced the origin of professionalization of library and information science (LIS) in Nigeria. Using the six most widely accepted attributes of profession, the paper assesses library and information science in Nigeria with a view to determining whether or not LIS in Nigeria could qualify as a profession. The result is that LIS in Nigeria possesses four of the six attributes, most important of which is legal recognition. The paper identifies some challenges facing the professionalization of LIS in Nigeria as well as opportunities.