E-Learning and the Changing Role of Academic Librarians in Nigerian Federal Universities

This study investigated how the adoption of e-learning has altered the role of academic librarians in federal universities in Nigeria. E-learning platforms have restructured the instructional environment, creating new demands for digital content curation, embedded librarianship, virtual reference services, and learning management system integration. A qualitative multiple-case study design was employed, drawing on interviews with academic librarians, faculty e-learning coordinators, and students in six federal universities located across all six geopolitical zones. Documentary analysis of library strategic plans was also conducted. Findings revealed that most academic librarians were not formally integrated into e-learning development teams, and their potential contributions to digital content management remained largely untapped. Libraries with liaison librarian programmes demonstrated more active engagement with e-learning environments. The study recommended formal inclusion of academic librarians in institutional e-learning governance committees, training in instructional design, and the redefinition of the academic librarian role in university e-learning policies. Keywords: e-learning, academic librarians, federal universities, role transformation, Nigeria.