Search results

Analyses the characteristics of a special collection, styled World Bank Depository Publications, in the University of Calabar Library. The regional coverage of the collection is identified as including Asia, Latin America, Africa (sub‐Saharan) in the main. Asia commands the highest coverage at 46.9 per cent; Latin America and Africa share 27.6 per cent and 23.3 per cent, respectively. Contends that publications on Africa, for example, are hardly written or produced by African experts. Further analyses of topics range from governance, civil society (13.8 per cent), developing economies (13.1 per cent) and banking, finance and development (12.8 per cent). Gender issues, particularly relating to the role of women in development, attained a respectable 7.4 per cent. Overall, the subject areas of the collection reflect emphasis in poverty (16.7 per cent), agriculture (15.6 per cent), corruption (13.3 per cent) and health (11.1 per cent). Concludes by appreciating the currency of the collection and the glossy well‐illustrated production, but recommends that experts from within the regional areas covered should be commissioned as authors for the World Bank for more effective exposition of subjects at local level.

Survey data were used to determine the influence of job satisfaction on the publication output of librarians in Nigerian universities. A stratified random sampling method was used to select 202 librarians working in 22 out of the 35 university libraries in Nigeria. A multiple regression statistical analysis was employed to examine the influence of job satisfaction on publication output of librarians. The results of the empirical analysis indicate that of the six dimensions of job satisfaction used in the study, only three (librarians’ levels of satisfaction with their achievement responsibility and recognition) had a significant influence on their publication output. Other dimensions including salary, university library policies and administration, and supervision, had no significant influence on their publication output. The study also reveals that the intrinsic job satisfaction dimensions were the greatest influence on the quantity of publications among the sample population. This should be given top priority. However, the extrinsic job satisfaction dimensions which do not influence publication output should not be neglected, rather they could be improved to enhance job satisfaction and raise publication productivity.

Presents survey data used to determine how university librarians in Nigeria utilize quantitative methods in decision making in diverse areas such as personnel management, acquisition, storage and circulation of information materials. A stratified random sampling method was used to select 22 out of 35 university librarians. The survey results indicate that four (18.19 per cent) respondents have good knowledge of quantitative methods, i.e. its use and application in decision making; whereas as high as 18 (81.8 per cent) are hardly aware of, and have not used these statistical tools in decision making in university libraries. The research study uncovers factors that hinder the utilization of quantitative methods such as lack of understanding of the subject; a traditionally held view of librarianship as not requiring such statistical analysis; inadequate time for its teaching and acquiescence; dislike for intellectualism in resolving library problems; and disproportionate views of top practitioners on the concept of decision making. Submits that it would augur well for library practice at a high level if university libraries could use and apply quantitative methods in their work situations. This could ideally be learned and perfected through special courses. workshops, management seminars or formal academic programmes. Adequate exposure of respondents through continuing education would enhance proper utilization of quantitative methods in decision making in university libraries thereby guaranteeing efficiency, effectiveness and quality library services to library clientele, as well as enhancing the librarian’s own standing and image among academic peers.

Provides an outline of the presentations at the National Conference and annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Library association, held in June 2004. The theme of the conference was "Libraries: tools for education and development".

Presents a summary of the proceedings of the 2007 National Conference/AGM of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Draws on the nine scholarly papers and speeches presented at the conference.

An appropriate curriculum should be designed for the training of librarians in Nigerian universities, as well as in the training of school library media specialists. Public‐Private Partnership (PPP) in library and information services should be encouraged; the use of ICT is beneficial to undergraduates; and consortium development in agricultural research institutes is also indispensable. The virtual library in Nigeria is also valuable, the challenges not withstanding, and library and information services to rural communities should also be encouraged.

An original paper that has great value for library and information practitioners, government and policy makers.