Managing Yoruba Language Documentation Projects in Nigerian University Libraries: A Professional Practice Framework

University libraries in Nigeria hold significant archives of Yoruba oral literature, manuscripts, and linguistic data, yet professional frameworks for managing these collections remain inadequately developed. This study develops a professional practice framework for managing Yoruba language documentation projects in Nigerian university libraries, drawing on case studies from libraries at the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, and Lagos State University. A qualitative case study design was adopted, with data collected through interviews with library professionals, archivists, and Yoruba language scholars, supplemented by documentary analysis of existing collection management policies. The study applies information management theory and archival science principles to evaluate current practice against international standards for indigenous language documentation management. Reviewed literature confirms that Nigerian university libraries face systemic challenges in acquiring, cataloguing, and preserving Yoruba-language materials, particularly oral recordings and digital archives. This study fills a professional practice gap by proposing a structured framework tailored to the Nigerian library context. The research evaluates staff competency requirements, metadata standards applicable to Yoruba-language materials, digitisation protocols, and access and rights management considerations specific to community-sensitive cultural content. Findings are expected to reveal significant inconsistency in current practice and limited professional training relevant to indigenous language collection management. Recommendations will produce a practical framework document for adoption by university library administrators and language documentation professionals. Keywords: library management, Yoruba documentation, archival practice, university libraries, indigenous language collections.