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As traditional physical spaces grapple with evolving reading habits and information consumption patterns, the notion of libraries within the metaverse poses intriguing questions about accessibility, knowledge dissemination and the evolving role of librarians. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of metaverse in virtual libraries.

This paper analyzes various literature relating to libraries and the metaverse in the virtual worlds through a review of the literature.

In the ever-evolving landscape of information and technology, the emergence of libraries in virtual worlds presents a transformative paradigm that brings forth both tremendous advantages and intricate challenges. These advantages are underscored by enhanced accessibility for a global audience, interactive engagements that cater to diverse learning styles and the unprecedented scalability that digital environments provide. Virtual libraries hold the potential to reshape the way people access, share and engage with knowledge, while also fostering a sense of community that transcends geographical boundaries.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the original idea that highlights the importance of metaverse in virtual libraries.

Public libraries serve as critical institutions for disseminating information, particularly in rural areas where access to educational and economic resources is limited. The study examined the role of public libraries in the dissemination of information to rural dwellers in Kogi State, Nigeria. It aims to identify services offered, user satisfaction levels, contributions to information access, methods of dissemination and challenges faced by public libraries in fulfilling their mandate.

The study employed a descriptive survey research method. The questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument. The population of the study comprised 2,620 registered members of public libraries of Kogi State, Nigeria. Proportionate stratified sample random sampling was used to select 262 members of the library for questionnaire administration.

The study found that public libraries are only providing effective services in the areas of agricultural information, health and political information while leaving aside other germane services that have the wherewithal to facilitate sustainable development in all facets of life. Challenges such as epileptic power supply, unstable internet access and subscription to illiteracy on the part of community members, inadequate materials in local languages and poor funding, among others, are still depriving effective dissemination of information to rural dwellers in Kogi State.

The study recommended, among others things that public library boards should broaden their service portfolios to include more career information, bookmobile services and current awareness programs. These services are essential for empowering rural dwellers with the knowledge required to navigate modern socioeconomic landscapes. More so, the findings of this study have profound implications for public librarianship in Nigeria, particularly in the context of practice, policy and future research. In addition, the study contributes to literature, policy and practice and provides fresh data on the role of public libraries in the dissemination of information to rural dwellers in Nigeria.