Cultural Diversity Challenges of Digital Environment and Necessity for Censorship in Nigerian Libraries
Martins, D.; Yetunde, F. O. (2025).
Journal of Library and Information Management, Technology & Education , 2 (2), 145-160.
ABSTRACT

Background: Censorship in libraries remains a contentious issue, often viewed as an infringement on intellectual freedom. However, within the Nigerian context, censorship is primarily used to restrict access to harmful or culturally inappropriate materials, particularly for vulnerable users. The debate over censorship is influenced by political, religious, social, and educational perspectives. While organizations like the American Library Association (ALA) advocate for unrestricted access to all kinds of information, Nigerian laws and societal values emphasize the protection of cultural norms and moral integrity.

Method: This article explores the intersection of censorship, cultural diversity, and the digital environment through an analysis of Nigerian legal frameworks, including laws such as the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act (2013) and sections of the Criminal and Penal Codes. It examines how these laws influence censorship decisions in Nigerian libraries, alongside the impact of digital technologies on information access and control.

Findings/Results: The study reveals that censorship in Nigerian libraries is shaped by legal restrictions and cultural values, leading to self-censorship by librarians. Digital technologies complicate censorship by enabling unrestricted information flow, including misinformation and explicit content. Libraries employ tools like keyword filtering, firewalls, and content filtering to mitigate these risks while balancing intellectual freedom with cultural preservation.

Implications: The findings highlight the tension between global standards of intellectual freedom and local cultural norms in Nigeria. Libraries must navigate this complexity to promote inclusivity, preserve cultural heritage, and maintain ethical information dissemination. The study underscores the need for context-specific approaches to censorship that respect societal values while addressing digital challenges.

Conclusion: Censorship in Nigerian libraries reflects a necessary compromise between intellectual freedom and cultural protection. While controversial, it aligns with legal and societal frameworks aimed at safeguarding moral integrity and cultural identity in a diverse and digitally connected society.

Recommendations: To address these challenges, libraries should adopt transparent censorship policies, engage communities in collection development, and provide digital literacy programs. Policymakers should consider balanced regulations that protect cultural values without stifling access to knowledge. Librarians must receive training to ethically manage censorship in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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Martins, D.; Yetunde, F. O. (2025). Cultural Diversity Challenges of Digital Environment and Necessity for Censorship in Nigerian Libraries. Journal of Library and Information Management, Technology & Education , 2(2), 145-160. https://www.jolimate.com/unimaidlis/published/108128567.pdf

Martins Dodo; Yetunde Faith Olaseigbe 2025. "Cultural Diversity Challenges of Digital Environment and Necessity for Censorship in Nigerian Libraries". Journal of Library and Information Management, Technology & Education , Accessed April 4, 2025. 2(2),145-160. https://www.jolimate.com/unimaidlis/published/108128567.pdf

Martins, D.; Yetunde, F. O. (2025). Cultural Diversity Challenges of Digital Environment and Necessity for Censorship in Nigerian Libraries. Journal of Library and Information Management, Technology & Education , 2(2),145-160. https://www.jolimate.com/unimaidlis/published/108128567.pdf

Martins Dodo; Yetunde Faith Olaseigbe. "Cultural Diversity Challenges of Digital Environment and Necessity for Censorship in Nigerian Libraries". Journal of Library and Information Management, Technology & Education , Vol. 2 No. 2,2025. pp. 145-160. https://www.jolimate.com/unimaidlis/published/108128567.pdf


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