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This paper discusses the staffing patterns at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Library, Bauchi, Nigeria from 1981‐1997. The expansion and scope of services of the library, application of modern technologies to library operations and funding dictated the staffing policy to a large extent. The difficulties encountered in getting the right calibre of staff, both professional/academic and supporting were highlighted. Finally, suggestions were posited for effective staffing of libraries in Nigeria.

Describes various types of university library exhibitions, lists their objectives and highlights their role as a publicity strategy. Presents the results of a study of exhibitions mounted at Abubaker Tafawa Balewa University, in Nigeria, from 1990‐1993. Finds that anniversary events are the most frequent subject for exhibitions, followed by those for the promotion of library services. Offers a number of recommendations for successful exhibitions, which can be used as an influential public relations strategy for the promotion of the library’s services.

This paper discusses book sufficiency and press efficiency as necessary tools for man, nation and development in Nigeria. The study concludes that: there is book scarcity at all levels of the educational system in Nigeria due to the non‐encouragement of local publishers and authors; the western part of the country has most of the textbooks available (in English, maths and science) in the country, followed by the eastern part where book piracy is at about 50‐70 per cent, while it is grossly inadequate in the northern part of the country. Uneven distribution of the few available books in the country results in non‐functional libraries in primary schools and few functional ones in secondary schools. The heavy dependency on foreign textbooks and journals at the tertiary level of the educational system should be discouraged, so that indigenous technology is encouraged. Recommendations are made to the Federal government of Nigeria.