Towards Sustainable Redesign of Academic Library Buildings in Nigeria: Case for Remodelling Higher Institution Library Buildings to Meet 21st Century Users’ Expectations

Abstract

The rapid transition in technology, changing user needs, and altering educational procedures have forced the long-term redesign of academic library facilities all over the world. However, in Nigeria, most academic library buildings have not been updated to meet changing trends and user expectations. This has consequently affected the users’ learning and educational experience. Many Nigerian higher education libraries still use antiquated designs that do not meet the expectations of digital-age users who demand more flexible, collaborative, and technology-integrated environments. This paper investigated the disparity between traditional library architecture and the needs of the 21st-century academic community. The objective was is to determine how to redesign current academic library buildings in Nigeria to fulfil 21st-century user expectations, with a focus on sustainability, flexibility, and technological integration. The study took a quantitative approach, surveying students and staff (n=484) at selected higher education institutions about their library usage patterns and expectations. The findings show that altering library designs can considerably improve user experience, accessibility, and collaborative learning in higher education. The paper proposed essential design concepts that connect with sustainability, user-centred space provision, and digital integration to prepare academic libraries for the future while also supporting environmental aims. It concluded that remodelling academic libraries in Nigeria can close the gap between current infrastructure and future user needs, particularly in terms of technology, flexibility, and sustainability.