IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS) Volume 15, Issue 3 (Sep. - Oct. 2013), PP 70-75 e-ISSN: 2279-0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845. www.Iosrjournals.Org www.iosrjournals.org 70 | Page The Role of Librarians In Support Of Information Needs of Students in Open and Distance Education in the Digital Era. 1 Ifeka, E. Okeke (Ph. D), 2 Lucky, U. Oghenetega, 3 Umeji Celestina .E., 4 Damaris Joseph Department Of Library And Information Science Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Department Of Library And Information Science Madonna University, Okija. Department Of Library And Information Science Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Technical Services Librarian Taraba State University Library Jalingo Abstract: This paper general overview is on open and distance education and Information service available to students in open and distance education. The researchers discussed current issues on information service in support of open and distance education, importance and types of information services support for distance education programmes, technologies used in delivery information services in open and distance education, importance of ICT In distance education, concepts of distance education in Nigeria, value of social media (networking) in delivering information service to distance learners and as well as challenges of open and distance education in Nigeria. Key Words: Open and Distance education, ICTs, Social media (networking), I. Introduction Libraries are indispensable in every facet of higher education. Effective library support to distance learners is mandatory for qualitative delivery of knowledge and learning. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has transformed all aspects of society particularly information dissemination. Libraries have an inherent obligation to provide information service to support the educational, recreational and economic endeavours of the members of their respective communities as appropriate to the libraries individual mission. Information services in libraries take variety of forms including direct personal assistance, directories, signs, exchange of information culled from a reference source, reader's advisory service, dissemination of information in anticipations of their user needs or interest. The term open and distance education reflects both the fact that all or most of the teaching is conducted by someone removed in time and space from the learner, and that the missions of openness and flexibility, whether in terms of access, curriculum or other elements of structure. II. Open And Distance Education The term Open and distance learning or education reflects both the fact that all or most of the teaching is conducted by someone removed in time and space from learner, and the mission includes greater dimensions of openness and flexibility, whether in terms of access, curriculum or other elements of structure. The meaning open and distance education above is of the same view with Aina, (2004) who Submitted that “it is a type of education that is delivered from a distance to the learners. The historical evolution of distance learning systems has been in four main phases. Open and distance learning systems can usually be described as made up of a range of components such as the mission or goal of a particular system, programmes and curricula, teaching/ learning strategies and techniques, learning material and resources, communication and interaction, support and delivery systems, students, tutors, staff and other experts, management, housing and equipment and evaluation. (RUSA, 2000). There is a physical separation between the learner and the teacher. Thus, it includes one which others may refer to as a means of the printed and written word, the telephone, computer conferencing or teleconferencing used to bridge the physical gab between the instructor and the learner. Open and Distance education equally involves the provision of whatever educational opportunities that are needed by anyone, anywhere, at any time for those who otherwise would have been denied. Improving the quality of education through the diversification of contents and methods and promoting experimentation, innovation, the diffusion and sharing of information and best practices as well as policy dialogue are UNESCO's strategic objectives in Education (UNESCO, 2002 and 2005). Open and distance education is often used synonymously with "Open Learning" correspondence education' and external study". For example in Nigeria there is the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), External studies Programme, University of Ibadan and Distance Learning Institute of the University of Lagos. Open and Distance education programmes in Africa are provided generally in two organizational