In this interview, Mrs. Chinwe Adelekan, the Chief Executive Officer of Chipete Library Resources, is an accomplished leader with over 35 years professional experience as a Knowledge Manager is one of the New Africa Amazons. She is a chartered Librarian with a wealth of expertise and experience in knowledge management and documentation, librarianship and research services among others. She shares with us the services of Chipete Library Resources in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Can you explain the core services that Chipete Library Resources offers to its clients?
Chipete is a leading provider of library solutions and automated short-let offices for professionals and business persons on subscription basis. Basically, we assist organizations to develop and manage their resource centers, while also providing training and capacity building in various areas of interest and empowerment workshops for widows and young women. We engage in documentation services such as editing, printing and soft publishing thus providing wholesome knowledge-based services to enhance creativity and productivity.
What inspired the establishment of Chipete as a knowledge hub and consultancy center?
I am a librarian by training and from experience, I know that there a noticeable gap in the approach to information provision and usage. A lot of people need information and do not know how to research and harness the right information for business or academics so we guide them along those lines. There are also business people whose portfolio are on their phones, online but with no physical address, due to prevailing economic hardships, we provide smart offices for their use. These partitioned offices are equipped with high speed internet and a well-structured environment for optimal concentration.
How does Chipete ensure that its smart offices and conference rooms enhance productivity and efficiency for its clients?
Chipete is equipped with the necessary IT tools and office equipment to enhance productivity. We provide 24 hours internet, printers and copiers and also on Solar energy so that our clients needs are met in real time. Our spaces are inviting and also offer the privacy needed for serious work.
In what ways does Chipete Library Resources cater to both institutional libraries and private organizations?
We develop and supply library materials, and partner with institutions to automate their Library services. At Chipete we have online resources which are also available to our clients, for research purposes or professional development.
Can you describe the subscription model for your workspace and private office rentals? How does it cater to different types of customers?
Our subscription rates are affordable and we have packages for daily, weekly, monthly or annual subscriptions, thus giving everyone an opportunity to be part of our success story. The subscriptions give access to the use of the internet and our online resources, so we support learning and relearning while providing services.
What differentiates Chipete’s consultancy and training services from other providers in the market?
We are conscious of the needs of our clients and provide opportunities for lifelong learning through our library resources. Thus, apart from creating affordable office hub, we provide access to information to empower citizens and encourage readership thus driving innovation and providing knowledge for increased productivity.
How does the mission of empowering individuals and organizations with resources translate into your day-to-day operations?
Our mission drives us to action. Empowered citizens are financially independent and easier to govern in every respect because they are positively motivated to innovate and achieve their set goals. Take for instance, an empowered girl child takes her place in society with dignity and understands her rights. She is not at the mercy of society and can make great impact in business or project sustainable policies for the development of humanity. Thus, we daily aspire to provide adequate and sustainable resources through feedbacks. We are happy when our clients are satisfied with our package of services.
What measures does Chipete take to ensure uninterrupted power supply and high-speed internet for its workspace users?
Solar energy has rescued businesses from uninterrupted power supply. Though expensive, at the long run it is more dependable and constant, so we use inverters to power our machines to avoid service disruptions.
How does Chipete promote lifelong learning and information access in its operations?
In addition to the workspaces, we have a physical and online library collection to encourage readership and learning. Subscribers can refer to available materials while annual subscribers are allowed borrow materials. We also organize workshops/customized trainings and conferences.
What are some of the key challenges Chipete Library Resources faces in the field of information management, and how do you address them?
You know funding and energy costs are part of our challenges, with the high cost of foreign exchange, borrowing from banks is also not the best option as we may not be able to sustain the pressure of high interest rates. We partner with like minds and do our best to grow gradually for now. There is also the problem of keeping our clients out of fake news by constantly providing the right links to authentic information. The social media provides loads of undependable information and that is quite huge.
How does Chipete stay ahead of industry trends in library development and knowledge-sharing technologies?
We train and retrain to keep abreast with the use of new technologies. We also consult and engage IT professionals who partner with us at every stage.
How does Chipete’s Professional Resource Center support students and professionals in their research and development needs?
Students and professionals receive research guides and have access to our online and physical resources at minimal costs.
Could you elaborate on Chipete’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, and smart service delivery, and how this reflects in client interactions?
We have a team of experienced professionals who are committed to excellent service delivery. Feedbacks have been quite positive and we are willing to go the extra mile to satisfy our clients. We can go to our client’s space for trainings and engage smartly for future collaborations. For us the satisfaction of our client is paramount.
