The Relevance of E-Aesthetics in The Sustainability Of Nigerian Libraries In The Digital Era

Abstract

The digital library brought with it several challenges which do not fully erode the traditional libraries in developing countries such as Nigeria as most libraries have become a complex entity with the operation of both the traditional and the digital libraries. Therefore, as library service providers are trying to guarantee the smooth operation of the physical library, they are also struggling to ensure a seamless digital library. Therefore, various aspect of the design such as the aesthetic condition which include the e-aesthetics need to be put into consideration in designing the digital library web pages respectively. It was on this premise that this study focused on the relevance of e-aesthetics in the sustainability of Nigerian Libraries in this digital era. The study adopted an interpretivist research paradigm hinged on the a systematic literature review strategy of journal articles, books, and other online materials in addition to focusing on empirical studies between year 2000 and 2021 from Google Scholar. A content analysis was deployed and information resources obtained were grouped into the major themes to address the objective of the study. The findings of this study revealed that as aesthetic conditions and facilities were of high relevance and significance in the traditional library operation towards ensuring increase usage and sustainability, so the relevance of e-aesthetics in the sustainability of Nigerian Libraries in the digital era cannot be underestimated if Nigeria libraries must keep abreast to the global effect of digital transformational effect on the library and information service system. It recommends that e-aesthetic issues should be taken into considerations in the development of digital library webpages to create a user-friendly environment and also ease of usage is of high premium in ensuring increase usage and sustainability of Nigerian library. 

Keywords: Aesthetic, E-Aesthetic, Digital Library, Traditional Libraries, Nigeria Libraries