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Prof. Austin Jude Chikodi Mole

Professor Austin Jude Chikodi Mole is a distinguished scholar in Library and Information Science. Hailing from Ngugo in Ikeduru Local Government Area, he has dedicated his career to advancing the application of ICT in library services and the organization of knowledge. He earned his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, including a Ph.D. in Library and Information Science, specializing in the use of ICT in information services. Prof. Mole began his career as a Library Officer at Nnamdi Azikiwe Library in 1994 and rose through the ranks to become a Professor in 2019. His academic journey includes roles as Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Head of the Department of Library and Information Science, a position he held from 2020 to 2023. He is a prolific researcher, editor, and mentor, having contributed significantly to the Global Review of Library and Information Science, first as an editor and now as Editor-in-Chief. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to academia and student mentorship, including Best Academic Adviser, Icon of Excellence, and Innovation Catalyst of the Year. A dedicated member of the Nigerian Library Association and Nigerian Association of Library & Information Science Educators, Prof. Mole continues to impact the field through his leadership and community engagement. Outside his professional life, Prof. Mole enjoys watching wrestling films, listening to the news, and gospel music

Experience & Activities

  • Gender: Male
  • Hometown: Ngugo, Ikeduru LGA
  • Contact Information:
    • Address: 09 Mbonu Ojike Street, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
    • Phone: +234 806 327 6347
    • Email: austin.mole@unn.edu.ng

Academic Profile

  • Department: Library and Information Science
  • Faculty: Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Specialization: ICT Application in Library and Information Science

Academic Background

  • D. (Library & Information Science): University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2003–2010)
    • Specialization: Use of ICT in Information Services and Organization of Knowledge
  • L.S. (Library & Information Science): University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1999–2002)
    • Specialization: Reference and Information Services (4.78 GPA on a 5-point scale)
  • A. (Library Science/History): University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1995–1998)
  • C.E. (Library Science/Social Studies): Federal Polytechnic, Oko (1990–1993)
  • A.S.S.C.: Ngugo Comprehensive Secondary School (1983–1988)

Career Highlights

  • Current Position: Professor/Head of Department, Library and Information Science, UNN
  • Date of Professorial Appointment: 2019

Career Progression

  • 1994–2000: Library Officer, Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, UNN
  • 2000–2004: Higher Library Officer, Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, UNN
  • 2004–2005: Senior Library Officer, Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, UNN
  • 2005–2006: Assistant Lecturer, Department of Library and Information Science, UNN
  • 2006–2009: Lecturer II, Department of Library and Information Science, UNN
  • 2009–2012: Lecturer I, Department of Library and Information Science, UNN
  • 2012–2016: Senior Lecturer, Department of Library and Information Science, UNN
  • 2016–2019: Associate Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, UNN
  • 2019–Present: Professor, Library and Information Science, UNN
  • 2020–2023: Head of Department, Library and Information Science, UNN

Relevant Positions Held

  • Coordinator, Field Trips (2005–Present)
  • Coordinator, Sandwich Diploma Programme (2005–Present)
  • Coordinator, Postgraduate Diploma Programme (2007–Present)
  • Coordinator, Ph.D. Contact Programme (2010–Present)
  • Editor, Global Review of Library and Information Science (2011–2020)
  • Editor-in-Chief, Global Review of Library and Information Science (2020–Present)
  • Academic Adviser, African University Students Platform (2021–Present)

Research Interests

  • ICT application in information services
  • Organization of knowledge in library science

Awards and Recognitions

  • Award of Excellence for Selfless Commitment to Academics (2015)
  • Best Academic Adviser (2017, 2019)
  • Award of Excellence for Contribution to Education (2018)
  • Icon of Excellence Award (2022)
  • Innovation Catalyst of the Year (2023)

Professional Memberships

  • Member, Nigerian Library Association (NLA)
  • Member, Nigerian Association of Library & Information Science Educators (NALISE)
  • Publicity Secretary, NALISE (2009–2011)

Community Development Activities

  • Secretary, Faculty Research Grants Committee (2010–2012)
  • Member, Department Research Committee (2010–Present)
  • Member, Faculty Publications Committee (2018–Present)

Hobbies

  • Watching wrestling films
  • Listening to news and gospel music

Profiles

  • Google Scholar: Austin Mole
  • ResearchGate: Austin Mole
  • LinkedIn: Austin Mole
  • Twitter: @austin_mol97573
  • Facebook: Austin Mole