This study investigates how university libraries in Nigeria are staffed and presents staff development opportunities and learning activities that sustain staff.
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates how university libraries in Nigeria are staffed and presents staff development opportunities and learning activities that sustain staff.
Methodology/approach
A survey research design was adopted. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 46 universities and 400 respondents consisting of 46 heads of libraries and 354 professionals from federal, state, and private universities. Content of the instrument was based on literature comprising six questions. The 327 (92.4%) usable responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in simple frequency tables.
Findings
The study showed that library workforce in Nigerian universities included different categories of professionals and para-professionals having diversified job opportunities and duties. Most libraries had staff development budget and respondents received various forms of assistance to foster learning. Although all nontransferable skills recorded high mean, respondents accorded less importance to nonlibrary personal skills that can be used to leverage the expectations of recruitment, retention, and sustainability.
Research implications
The study was limited to practicing professionals but has staffing implications for all libraries across Nigeria.
Practical implications
Many professionals may lack the appropriate multi-skills that would enhance exploring new approaches and breaking out of traditional ways of operation in the different library and outside library settings.
Originality/value
The study contributes to knowledge about sustaining library staff in relation to adopting the recommended skills on a broad scale, and assessing how their acquisition can change the perception of professionals to its immense contributions to sustaining them in the workforce.
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This study aims to investigate and examine the acquisition practices in the Nigerian University Libraries.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate and examine the acquisition practices in the Nigerian University Libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 42 copies of a questionnaire entitled: “Collection Development in University Libraries Questionnaire” were mailed to all the 42 state and federal university libraries in Nigeria excluding the private university libraries. Only 18 university libraries returned their questionnaires that were used for the study.
Findings
Results show that acquisition of books in Nigerian university libraries is done mostly through purchase. In addition, Nigerian university libraries patronize the British‐based multinational publishers more than the local booksellers for their acquisitions. The study further shows that payments made to book vendors in Nigeria are taxed by Nigerian universities.
Originality/value
The paper provides useful suggestions that can enhance the acquisition practices in Nigerian university libraries.
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This study discusses the role of librarian in the 21st century. Libraries are in a state of dilemma due to dramatic changes that information and communication technologies (ICTs…
Abstract
This study discusses the role of librarian in the 21st century. Libraries are in a state of dilemma due to dramatic changes that information and communication technologies (ICTs) have brought to libraries. Libraries are faced with various challenges including insufficient funds, but the inability of librarians to acquire IT skills relevant to addressing 21st century library services could be seen as a more difficult challenge, because without these skills it will be difficult for today's librarians to render adequate services to their patrons. Therefore, it is important for librarians to recognize and proactively seek to acquire the ICT skills needed to deliver 21st century library services to their patrons. This means that librarians need to also recognize the need to continually update themselves to keep up with today's fast-paced IT changes so that they will be able to deliver what is expected of them in this new millennium.
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Emmanuel E. Baro, Monica Eberechukwu Eze and William O. Nkanu
The aim of the paper is to investigate the achievements of librarians from the workshop on e‐library services organized by the Librarians' Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the paper is to investigate the achievements of librarians from the workshop on e‐library services organized by the Librarians' Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) in collaboration with The United States Mission, Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 35 librarians purposively selected from universities, colleges of education, and polytechnic libraries participated in the study, which adopted semi‐structured interviews.
Findings
It emerged that librarians who participated in the workshop have been exposed to skills in areas such as database searching, using different search engines, using social media, knowledge of relevant websites, and knowledge of planning for e‐libraries. The participants are of the opinion that a workshop of this kind should be organized at least twice a year to upgrade librarians' skills on e‐library services in Nigeria.
Practical implications
Library associations in other developing countries can also partner with professionals from developed countries to organize workshops and seminars like this to equip librarians with the necessary skills to render e‐library services effectively and also to train users to use e‐resources effectively.
Originality/value
The paper reports skills the librarians have been exposed to through the workshop on e‐library services. Acquiring such skills will enable them effectively to use e‐resources and also train users on different search strategies.
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Since 2004 the Niger Delta University Library has adopted a job rotation program to help solve manpower and skills acquisition problems. The study reported in this paper aimed to…
Abstract
Purpose
Since 2004 the Niger Delta University Library has adopted a job rotation program to help solve manpower and skills acquisition problems. The study reported in this paper aimed to evaluate the Niger Delta University Library job rotation program, including the impact of the program on newly employed librarians and their job performance, and the university library.
Design/methodology/approach
The study has two parts. Firstly, the paper reports results from focus group interviews with Niger Delta University librarians who participated in the job rotation program. Secondly, an interview was conducted with the Niger Delta University librarian who adopted the job rotation program to elicit insights into the impact and challenges of the library job rotation program. The Kirkpatrick and Kirkpatrick four‐level evaluation framework was chosen to use as a framework for the evaluation of the responses.
Findings
The study revealed that the job rotation program is an important program for allowing librarians to acquire new skills, enhance staff productivity, develop new relationships across the university library and gain skills needed for future career advancement. The participants in the job rotation program who were interviewed showed a high level of satisfaction with the program.
Practical implications
The findings of this study will inform library administrators or management about the adoption of job rotation programs in their libraries. Many university libraries have problems with a lack of skills experienced by new librarians and also as a staff development tool in the workplace.
Originality/value
The paper calls for proactive effort by university libraries to adopt new strategies to enhance skills development for efficient productivity.
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The purpose of this paper is to report on ongoing research examining the current level of self-management of library and information science (LIS) professionals in federal…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report on ongoing research examining the current level of self-management of library and information science (LIS) professionals in federal universities in Nigeria. The long-term objective of the study is to determine the effect of self-management on information services delivery of LIS professionals.
Design/methodology/approach
A descriptive survey method was adopted to gather data from the LIS professionals in the selected 24 universities. The questionnaire was administered on 429 professionals (census) and all were received, processed, analysed and the results presented.
Findings
The study reveals that majority of respondents have high level of self-management and applied relevant strategies that enabled them identify opportunities and act on them for personal and professional growth.
Research limitations/implications
The study was limited to practising professionals in the federal university libraries but has implications for implementing continuing professional development for all professionals in similar institutions across Nigeria.
Practical implications
The study places emphasis on professionals, library management and library schools that they cannot downplay the relevance of self-management in the workplace, consequently training should be ongoing.
Originality/value
The future of LIS professionals has not been viewed in the light of adopting self-management competence on such a broad scale, and with a view to assessing how this skill can help change the perception of professionals to its relevant contribution to personal development and professional growth.
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Waqar Ahmed and Muhammad Shahid Soroya
The purpose of this study was to explore the number, difference and ratio of professionals and non-professionals heading toward non-academic special libraries (NASL). This study…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore the number, difference and ratio of professionals and non-professionals heading toward non-academic special libraries (NASL). This study also explored the difference of provision of services based on educational qualifications.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative survey research method and questionnaire as a data collection tool was used to conduct the study. The questionnaire contained four educational levels against the 18 services variables. No list or directory being available, 71 special libraries were assured to be there in Lahore through snowball-sampling technique. Out of 71 questionnaires, 41 were returned and analyzed using Chi-Square test in Statistical Package for Social Sciences.
Findings
Findings indicated that 56 per cent of the libraries were headed by LIS professionals, while rest of 44 per cent of the libraries was headed by persons with no professional education. Chi-Square test’s p value indicated the significant difference in the orientation, reference service and document reservation service. The professionally qualified library managers were found better at providing librarians’ end services.
Originality/value
The present study is the first of its kind in Pakistan, which marked the vacant positions and indicated the differences of services based on level of education. It depicted the electronic, librarians end, and technical knowledge and multi-factor services and measured its variation on the educational grounds.
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This paper seeks to discuss the positioning of academic libraries in universities of science and technology in Africa. With the importance that is given to the establishment and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to discuss the positioning of academic libraries in universities of science and technology in Africa. With the importance that is given to the establishment and outputs of these types of universities and to skills development as a contributing factor to Africa's development, the role of library and information services are to be discussed. The paper aims to focus on the position of the library in relation to the changing complexity of information resources, tools for users to access information, IT developments, knowledge creation and dissemination, community engagement, support for innovation and entrepreneurial development, external partnerships and measuring service delivery through research.
Design/methodology/approach
The challenges for the library in science and technology universities are to remain relevant to the development of skilled human resource that can contribute to Africa's economic and social development. The changing information provision landscape, the new community engagement programmes, the thrust to contribute to knowledge development and the support for innovation and entrepreneurial development ensure that the library remains relevant in the academic projects in Africa.
Findings
The library in science and technology universities in Africa and in other developing countries remains an important strategic partner in the development of human resources and overall economic and social development of the continent.
Originality/value
The discussion in the paper provides some insights into the planning and development of emerging technological university libraries in Africa and other developing regions.
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Chinwe Nwogo Ezeani, Helen Nneka Eke and Felicia Ugwu
This paper aims to examine the current trends, needs and opportunities of professionalism in librarianship in Nigeria. The broad purpose of the paper was to investigate the level…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the current trends, needs and opportunities of professionalism in librarianship in Nigeria. The broad purpose of the paper was to investigate the level of professionalism in librarianship and to ascertain the current status, trends and opportunities within the profession among academic librarians in Nigeria. Five specific research questions were formulated which are: to examine how librarians value librarianship as a profession, to elicit the efforts made by librarians with regards to professional development, to ascertain methods of acquiring current competencies within the profession, to investigate the role of professional bodies in promoting professionalism and excellence within the library and information science (LIS) profession and to proffer strategies to enhance professionalism and excellence among librarians in Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
Descriptive survey design was adopted in the study across both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The area of the study was the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Anambra State. Population of the study comprised a total of 63 librarians in the two universities. All librarians were sampled because of the small sample size. The instrument for data collection was oral interview and questionnaire which contained 53 items derived from the research questions and built on a four-point scale of Strongly Agree (SA), Agree, (A) Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagree (SD). The criterion mean was 2.50. Therefore, any calculated mean below 2.50 was adjudged a negative score, while any mean from 2.50 and above was regarded as a positive score.
Findings
The study revealed the challenges facing professionalism and excellence within the LIS field as lack of funding for professional development, lack of sponsorship to workshops and conferences, lack of uninterruptible internet facility and a dearth of professional mentors in the South East zone. Other problems gathered from a scheduled interview with some senior professionals in the institutions revealed that most librarians are still facing the challenge of imbibing and utilizing emerging skills in the LIS professions such as digital archiving and data mining skills for their day-to-day activities.
Originality/value
Recommendations arising from the study were proffered such as the creation of staff development programmes by management; collaboration and partnership by libraries within the zone; acquisition of training through workshops and conferences irrespective of sponsorship by the institutions; and teaming of academic librarians to enhance their visibility and publication output. International staff exchanges and opportunities for sabbatical leave, which hitherto was not common in the South East Zone, were recommended. Among other recommendations also were building of consortia with libraries in the country; LIS professional bodies helping to create visibility and prestige of the LIS profession; and, finally, to scale up the image of the profession the marketing of library products through profiling of patrons and furnishing them with required information has not only become necessary but critical.
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The Nigerian national policy on education emphasizes the use ofmother tongues both as media of instruction and as school subjects inthe curriculum. Considers these educational…
Abstract
The Nigerian national policy on education emphasizes the use of mother tongues both as media of instruction and as school subjects in the curriculum. Considers these educational language objectives in relation to the lack of human and material resources to support them. Offers suggestions which might help enhance the success of the policies.