Ozean Journal of Social Sciences 5(1), 2012 21 INFORMATION EXPLOSION AND THE CHALLENGES OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION IN NIGERIAN LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION CENTRES JASILIU A. KADIRI* and NIRAN A. ADETORO Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, NIGERIA *E-mail address for correspondence: kadirija@yahoo.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Abstract: The discovery of paper, ink and the printing machine signaled the emergence of Information Explosion. Initially, the discoveries meant multiplication of information materials thus ending the era of keeping of information materials under lock and key. As a dynamic organism, the library has also benefitted immensely in the development of various media after the Second World War, when pictures, audio and video tapes became the means of preserving and transmitting information. The emergence of Information Communication Technology led to exponential availability of information, which in spite of its advantages also brought its challenges to users and information managers thus giving birth to information science. The difference between traditional libraries and information centres were highlighted and the paper revealed that in Nigeria, ICT is yet to take root among public libraries when compared with their academic counterparts as evidenced in studies on ICT and academic institutions. It identified challenges faced by libraries in Nigeria vis-a-vis utilization of ICT and recommended the need for library schools to review their curricular, improved funding and it also called on Government to put in place a robust ICT Policy so that both the urban and rural dwellers can benefit in the globalization process. Keywords: information explosion, information overload, libraries and information centres, ict utilization challenges ___________________________________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION The library as a repository of knowledge has undergone tremendous transformation from the era of ancient library to the present information age. It is perhaps the only industry that has been affected continuously by technological changes but yet continues to adapt for the benefit of humanity. From the era of scrolls to discovery of paper, printing, microforms, audio-visuals to the discovery of the computer married to communication technology of the present age, the library has undergone tremendous transformation in processes and service delivery. While the discovery of papyrus and the printing technology meant availability of multiple copies for the library, microforms, pictures, films and transparencies had contributed to space-saving. Information and Communication technology (ICT) combines all the advantages derivable from earlier developments. ICT, which has been defined as “ the set of activities which facilitate by electronic means, the processing, transmission and display of information” Wilson (2002) agreed that combining the computer with other information technologies such as telephone (stand alone and Ozean Journal of Social Sciences 5(1), 2012 ISSN 1943-2577 © 2012 Ozean Publication