BACKGROUND: Library information and documentation play crucial roles in research development. It serves as a valuable resources for researchers providing access to a wide range of scholarly materials including books, journals, proceedings and other relevant sources of information.

UNITS
The five major units in the library
1. Administrative Unit
2. Serial Unit
3. ICT Unit
4. Technical Unit
5. Readers Services Unit

LIBRARY STAFF STRENGTH
We have 19 staff made up of librarians, library officers and Administrative staff.
Key ways in which library information and documentation support research development
1. Access to information
2. Research support services
3. Inter-library loan and documentation delivery
4. Preservation and archiving
5. Collaboration and networking
ACHIEVEMENTS OF NRCRI LIBRARY
Publications:
• Information and documentation department of NRCRI Umudike compiled and published “Sweet Potato in Nigeria”
An Abstracts of published journals and books on sweet potato in Nigeria (1986 – 2016) Book of Abstracts
• Yam Research in Nigeria (1990 – 2002)
• Cassava production processing and marketing (1980 – 2005) Book of Abstracts.
• Abstracts of publications on yam by NRCRI scientists (1990 – 2024)
On the process of publishing (Book of Abstracts)

PRODUCTION OF NRCRI GAZETTES
Library department has been producing the institute gazette continuously since 1998 till date. These include gazette numbers from No 1 – No 8 with their copies.

TRAININGS OF IT STUDENTS
The Library department trains industrials training students who come every from various tertiary institutions like Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Abia State University, Uturu, Imo State University, Owerri etc.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Three of our libraries are running their Ph.D programme now while two are in for their Masters of Library and Information Science (MLIS).

CHALLENGES FACING THE LIBRARY
• There is need for digitization of resources which aid in linking NRCRI to outside world.
• The research library needs photocopying machine to secure and safeguard the library materials from being taken out of the library.
• Request for current journals and E books. It should be highly appreciated if the library will acquire current editions of useful journals, textbooks proceedings and other library materials.
• Working materials: We need a modern cataloguing scheme (LCAARC) for easy classification of library materials.
• Generating set: We require a generator to illuminate the library when public light goes off.

CONCLUSION
Library information and documentation are indispensable components of research development. They support researchers by providing access to information, facilitate resources sharing, preserving knowledge, fostering collaboration and promoting networking opportunities. Researchers can leverage these resources and services to enhance the quality efficiency and impact of their research endeavours.