ROLE OF THE LIBRARY AS AN INFORMATION RESOURCE IN PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS

 
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
A society that is not informed is a deformed society and cannot grow and develop beyond the level they are informed. Therefore information is critical in the actualization of goals, aspirations and development of any nation. Information is power. It is relevant data, fact or ideas available for useful purpose Edoka (2000). It is knowledge communicated or received concerning a particular fact or circumstances. In the world today, information and knowledge have great impact on general developmental process of a nation. People that have access to the right information and understand how to make use of the acquired information in exercising their economic, political and legal rights become empowered, which in turns enable them to build a solid democracy.  (Asari, 2008).  Democracy in its definition and meaning connotes respect and upholding of fundamental rights of citizens without which no government is qualified to be termed democratic. Therefore, for a country to be truly democratic, the fundamental rights of the citizens must be respected such as right to life, right to vote and be voted for, freedom of expression, right to express ideas etc. To this effect, efforts are being made by various individuals, regional and international organizations, as well as non governmental bodies to internalize and globalize the campaign for promotion of human rights and democracy with a view to eradicating all forms of oppressive regime in human society as a means of achieving peace, stability and development(Idowu, 2008). In view of the above scenario, the public libraries have veritable roles to play in enlightening and informing the citizens irrespective of their religion, tribe, cultural and economic background since they are the chief custodians and disseminators of information.