The place of library and information srvices in optimization of education for the Nigerian University students

The vast demand on education in the twenty-first century calls for well-defined strategies towards the production of quality graduates which society can depend on for development. The qualities of such graduates are built on the quality of education they are exposed to as well as the availability of information resources and learning skills they acquire. Libraries play a vital and pivotal role in the actualization of this academic dream through their services and the unique way, in which they select, organize, preserve and communicate information. This paper therefore, focuses on the place of library and information services in optimization of education for the Nigerian university students. Attempt is made to discuss the status of tertiary education in Nigeria; university libraries and their functions in institutions of learning; services of the university libraries and the basic roles they play towards optimum quality education of the students.