FUOYE NEWS BULLETIN MAY 2015 VOL. 2 NO 4

IN DEFENCE OF THE TRADITIONAL LIBRARY

Man's desire and effort to document his life and preserve his culture and knowledge predates civilization. Pictorial representations of early human culture etched and engraved on rocks, stones  and caves as discovered by archeologists show man's early efforts to document history.

The hunger to preserve and pass on knowledge further gave birth to the papyrus, the parchments, the scroll, the codex and other early media of documentation.

These had their shortcomings as the materials tore and disintegrated with time, while the ink faded and the writing became illegible. The few reading materials that existed were hand-copied as there were no means of mass-production and even these ended up in the hands of a privileged few.

However, the invention of movable-type printing in the 15th century by Johannes Gutenberg revolutionized record-keeping and began to turn out huge copies and volumes of books. The printing and distribution of the Bible gained much from this impetus as it became the most widely-circulated book in the world.

Scholarly and scientific activities also gained momentum as scholars and scientists found an easier and faster medium to express their thoughts and publish their findings. Libraries assumed greater dimensions, housing the great number of books written on all subjects of life - books produced with longer lasting material and printed with indelible ink.

Coming on the heels of mass printing were faster and easier means of transport and communication which served as dispersal agents across the globe for the huge number of volumes and copies of books, touching on all aspects of life.

With the advent of the internet and e-library, many feared that the era of the traditional library was coming to an end. They argued that the virtual library has rendered the traditional library obsolete. But recently, The Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Isaac U. Asuzu, in a library launch, made a strong case for the traditional library. A guru in his field

of learning, Professor Asuzu has extensively and intensively made use of both types of libraries in the course of his numerous research efforts and therefore can speak authoritatively on the relevance of each.

According to him, one major source of relevance for the traditional library is that not every book we need to consult on any subject is found on the internet. This is due to regulations that prohibit free access to books on the internet. Already there is a prohibition on full access of copyrighted books through Google Book search.

Another thing going for the traditional library as elucidated by the vice chancellor is the fact that digital libraries are not on the internet. One might be on the internet but the restrictions placed on access to published books might prevent him from using the books.

One more merit of the traditional library is that while internet service is seemingly free, registration and subscription requirements place a restriction to a deeper access to books, journals and other research materials; whereas one would only need to present a valid identity card and a whole catalogue of research materials is at one's disposal.

There is also the problem of technical glitches on the computer, which can be quite frustrating when you desperately need to work. Hear Prof. Asuzu: “Often, when I need to use the dictionary on my computer and cannot get in for any reason, I will just reach up the shelf and a dictionary is in my hands for use.” The usefulness and convenience of the conventional books library cannot be traded for the technological fad that has seized the society in our modern times.

The two can at best complement each other. In defense of the conventional library, Professor

Asuzu has this to say: 'Society is not ready to abandon the library, and it probably won't ever because libraries can adapt to social technological changes but they can't be replaced.’

UNVEILING ANOTHER PROFESSIONAL BODY IN FUOYE.

A member of the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators, (ANUPA), Mrs. Rachael Apuabi has stressed the need for regular improvement of staff professionalism and competence. She made the call at a pre-inauguration meeting of the association which took place at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti main auditorium recently.

In her maiden seminar, 'The Role of Aministrators in Service Delivery,' Mrs. Apuabi stated that the major task before administrators is to ensure the smooth implementation of plans and policies of management. According to her, 'administrators are key in facilitating an environment for academic excellence where staff and students can flourish and compete favourably in the knowledge market'.

Furthermore, in order for administrators to achieve this good quality service delivery, there is need for them to acquire adequate training and skills. The personnel department is expected to identify training needs for members of staff and at the same time management of the university should sponsor members of staff to conferences both local and international. She added that the aim of the forum was to create a robust interactive session in other to generate and intimate staff with new trends in the discharge of their responsibilities as quality education providers.

High point of the occassion was unveiling of the professional body, Association of Nigerian Professional administrators (ANUPA) Federal University Oye-Ekiti Chapter and appointment of interim leaders. Head, Pre-degree Unit, Mr. D.A. Fatuase, emerged as chairman, Mrs. Apuabi, Secretary, Mr. Femi Adeboye, Tresurer, Mrs. Tessy Eze, Financial Secretary, Mrs. Ndidi Ibenyenwa, Training Officer and Mr. Lumuagun, PRO.

In attendance were the acting Registrar, Daniel Adeyemo, Heads of departments and units and a majority of administrative officers in the university.

IRE BURNT-BRICK FACTORY SEEKS TO BRAND FUOYE

The management of Ire burnt-brick industry paid a courtesy visit to the Vice chancellor on Friday May 22, 2015 to present samples of the products to the university community. It was disclosed by the management team of the factory that the company has just been resuscitated after a long lay-off. The presentation event which took place in the Vice chancellor's conference room had in attendance the representative of the vice chancellor Engr. Adebayo who is also the head of physical planning unit of the

university, the university's acting registrar, Mr D Adeyamo, the special assistant to the Vice Chancellor Mr G.A Mbakama and a team from Ire clay led by Mr. Biodun Adedeji.

In his opening speech, Mr. Adedeji reminded his audience that the company was founded in 1981 to produce burnt bricks that can be used to build houses from the foundation up to the roof but in 1998 it was shut down. In 1991, the government sought the collaboration of private sector investors and this led to the involvement of Oodua investment group that came on board to revamp the company. It later went down again in 1998. The moribund company has just been revived once again and the first batch of its products is what was brought to showcase at the university. Consequently, the management of Ire clay factory decided to propose the branding of future buildings of the university with the burnt bricks. He described the bricks as being stronger than the regular blocks used in construction and equally cost effective. He proposed to the university the use of the factory as a Research & Development centre in the nearest future.

The acting Registrar while reacting to the opening speech from Mr. Adedeji reminded him about the cooperate brand of the university which is lemon green and gold color. (the bricks are predominantly red). He expressed fears that the colour of the burnt bricks would conflict with the corporate profile of the university.

He also talked about the due process that the university operates by via the directorate of procurement, promising that management of the university would look into their proposal. Engr. Adebayo also wanted to know whether the bricks can be painted into the university's colors. She also asked about the strength of the bricks.

Responding, Mr. Adedeji said the bricks were burnt at a high temperature (9500c) hence, they are very strong. He also said the bricks can be painted on the threading where the cement joins two bricks together with the university's colors.