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Survey data were used to examine some issues, obstacles and the structure of career advancement prospects in Nigerian universities which was found to be slow and frustrating to reach the peak by practising librarians. The survey results indicate that 147 respondents (73 per cent) identified and rated the combination of professional duties with the academic work of publishing as their greatest obstacle to career advancement, whereas 25 librarians (12 per cent) indicate inadequate opportunities to reach the rank of university librarian as their second greatest obstacle. Furthermore, empirical results show that 12 respondents (6 per cent) indicated a lack of higher educational qualifications in librarianship as their third obstacle and ten respondents (5 per cent) indicated the lack of a generally accepted laid down policy on promotion criteria as their fourth problem, whereas eight respondents (4 per cent) indicated being uncomfortable with the unnecessary emphasis on publication output at the expense of performance of professional duties as their fifth obstacle. Issues such as the appointment of professors in university libraries, higher educational qualifications for librarians, retirement benefits and uniformity in designations were identified and solutions proffered. The author recommends the creation of new positions at the top to reduce frustration and stagnation

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.