YALLF Alumni Spotlight Interview

Halliru Sani Salihu (YALLF 2020)

Head, E-Library Division, Federal University of Transportation, Daura University Library

“What surprises me most is how quickly I have swapped places from a user to a provider,” Halliru Sani reflects in our Alumni Spotlight interview. His journey has come full circle. Today, he is playing a key role in setting up a university repository and database, ensuring students and researchers have access to the information they need.

Please introduce yourself: your name, your library and the kind of people you serve.

My name is Halliru Sani Salihu. I am the head of the E-Library division at the Federal University of Transportation, Daura University Library, Nigeria. I serve the university community, which includes the staff and students of the university.

How did YALLF influence the way you see your role?

Through the digital mindset, leadership and advocacy skills, project and innovation. The fellowship gave me the vision to rethink access and the confidence to lead meetings.

Tell us about the project or program you are currently running in your library. What is it called, and what does it do?

I am currently working with other stakeholders to establish the university's institution-based repository and the development of a database. This will give the university online visibility and also store electronic resources, which include theses, dissertations, conference proceedings, past questions, etc.

What problem or challenge in your community did you see that led you to start this project?

It is my assigned responsibility, the reason why I am engaged in it. Universities establish e-resources for preservation, online visibility and reputation, access to ICT services, etc., and I am working to see to their complete establishment.

Walk us through what happens. How does someone experience this project from start to finish?

We define what we intend to achieve after studying in other university libraries. We draft the policy document, which includes the software we intend to install, platforms, etc. We then purchase and set them up. Next is populating the content, providing access, and maintaining it.

Who are the people at the heart of this project? Who do you serve, and why do they matter to you personally?

I serve the university community, i.e., both staff and students. They matter because all the resources and services are offered and done for them to be comfortable and to use the library in their academic pursuits.

Can you share a specific story of someone whose life or situation changed because of this project? Be as specific as you can. You may use a first name only if needed.

Mine, actually, because unlike when I only used it as a patron, now I am at the heart of setting it up. Nothing makes me happier.

What results or changes have you seen so far in numbers, in behaviour, or in the community's relationship with your library?

Increase in the number of patrons. In this information age where there is information overload, patrons tend to prefer having access to current and reliable information easily.

What has surprised you most, either about the project itself or about the people it serves?

What surprises me most is how quickly I have swapped places from a user to a provider. Unbelievable!

What would you say to a young librarian who wants to start something similar in their own community?

It is worth it; go for it.

Is there anything else you would like the world to know about your library, your project, or your community?

Just grateful to Allah for allowing me to serve and make a difference.