Leadership qualities and style: a panacea for job productivity and effective service delivery among library staff in academic libraries in South South, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 677-687
Author(s):  
Daniel Akparobore ◽  
Ademola Ferdinand Omosekejimi
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Leadership Style ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Leadership Qualities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Job Productivity ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Effective Service

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine leadership qualities and style as panacea for job productivity and effective service delivery among library staff members in academic libraries in Nigeria. This study will help to ascertain the leadership style that is mostly adopted by university library management staff members in university libraries in South South, Nigeria, ascertain the type of leadership style that can be adopted by library management to attain productivity and effective service delivery among staff members in university libraries in South South, Nigeria and identify the leadership qualities that allows for productivity and effectiveness of staff members in university libraries in South South, Nigeria among others.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The target population for this study comprises 672 library staff members from 23 university libraries across the South South region of Nigeria. Total enumeration sampling technique was used to sample the entire population. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire. A total of 672 copies of the questionnaire were administered and total of 623 were duly completed and found useable, therefore there was 93% response rate. The data collected for this study was analyzed using simple percentage/frequency counts and weighed mean.FindingsFinding from the study revealed that the leadership style mostly adopted and practiced by the staff members at the management level in academic libraries in South South, Nigeria is the autocratic type of leadership. Also, Almost all library staff members in academic libraries in South South, Nigeria upholds the view that democratic type of leadership, if practiced by staff members at the management level in academic libraries will allow for maximum job productivity and effectiveness among library staff members, that commitment and passion for their job, excellent communication skills, good decision-making skill, delegation of authority/subordinate empowerment among others are qualities a good leader.Originality/valueThis submission is a work by the researcher and to the best of the researcher's knowledge contains no materials previously published or written by another person.

The current influential factors in adoption of innovations in university libraries of Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sania Awais ◽  
Kanwal Ameen
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Local Context ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adoption Of Innovations ◽  
Library Staff

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the salient factors in adoption of innovations in university libraries of Pakistan. The topic is important because academic libraries need to be innovative for meeting the new vision/mission of higher education. A previous study conducted by the same researchers concluded an inappreciable state of a large majority of university libraries in Pakistan (Awais and Ameen, 2018). It is, therefore, necessary to examine and investigate the ground realities and important factors influencing in the local context.Design/methodology/approachQualitative design is used to explore the important influencing factors. Data are collected through conducting a series of semi-structured interviews from 15 academic library leaders belonging to traditional and 15 with a better status of innovations.FindingsMajor factors like behavioral issues of library staff, lack of trainings, lack of budget and leadership skills are causing hindrance in leading to adopt new trends and innovations. Vision of higher authorities, library team with new skillsets, funding by the Higher Education Commission, etc. favor adoption of innovations. All leaders of the academic libraries need to have a positive strong attitude, vision and planning to overcome the barriers in the path of adoption of innovations to survive and thrive.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is conducted in local context of Pakistan. Only viewpoints of librarians at top level are taken. Viewpoints of higher authorities, library staff and users are not taken for this study. Similarly, viewpoints of only 30 library leaders are taken, which is also a limitation of this study.Practical implicationsTraditional-type library leaders can overcome the barriers by going through the findings and conclusion. They can get ideas from the discussion of innovative-type library leaders.Social implicationsUniversity libraries can be improved by the help of policy makers and higher authorities. Eventually, users would get better learning, teaching and social environment.Originality/valueThe study is conducted in a local context of Pakistan. It may provide a guideline for some future planning and development of university libraries. The research will be also useful in creating awareness among professionals of other developing countries.

Critical success factors for total quality management implementation and implications for sustainable academic libraries

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 545-563
Author(s):  
Edward Asante ◽  
Patrick Ngulube
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Total Quality Management ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Technical University

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the critical success factors for total quality management implementation and implications for sustainable academic libraries in Ghana. This study is part of a PhD project that focussed on selected technical university libraries in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a quantitative approach to collect the data. Samples of 124 participants were involved in this study. PLS-SEM (Smart PLS3) software was used to analyse the data. Convergent, discriminant validity assessment was computed. Eight variables of critical success factors were tested in relation to total quality management implementation at selected academic libraries in Ghana.FindingsThis study established that out of the eight variables tested, six of them (i.e. top management commitment, employee innovation employee training, organisational culture, teamwork and effective communication, quality performance) indicated a significant positive relationship with total quality management implementation apart from strategic planning and human resource management.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited to eight variables as the critical success factors mentioned in the previous paragraph. The use of one methodology might be a limitation as the use of multimethod might have given a more comprehensive picture than the case. This study was limited to only technical university libraries in Ghana hence caution must be exercised when applying the results to contextually different academic environments. The results are applicable to academic universities library in Ghana and beyond if they are adjusted to suit the context.Practical implicationsThis study is timely as it may lead to effective total quality management implementation and the sustainability of technical university libraries in Ghana and Africa in general.Originality/valueThe proposed model can be used to enhance the smooth implementation of total quality management in academic libraries in general and Ghana in particular. The framework is termed as Eddie and Pat's Achievement of Quality Performance (EPAfQP) model.

scholarly journals Leadership Styles, Promotion Opportunities, and Salary as Correlates of Turnover Intentions among Librarians in Nigerian University Libraries

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-66
Author(s):  
Afebuameh James Aiyebelehin ◽  
Rosemary Odiachi ◽  
Blessing Omoregie
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Styles ◽  
Leadership Style ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Turnover Intention ◽  
Turnover Intentions ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Information Service ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Major Implication ◽  
Nigerian University

The study investigated leadership styles, promotion opportunities, and salary as correlates of turnover intention among librarians in Nigerian academic libraries. It applied the correlational survey design, and data was gathered with a questionnaire. The entire 115 librarians in three (3) universities in South-South, Nigeria formed the population of this study. The data was analyzed with mean and Pearson Moment Correlation (2-tailed). The findings show that the turnover intention of the librarians was high; leadership, promotion opportunities, and salary positively correlate with the turnover intention. The major implication of the findings of the study is that the issue of leadership style, promotion, and salary should be carefully planned by the management of the library, otherwise, the librarians will leave the library whenever the opportunity shows up. These findings provide new data for planning the management of library staff to achieve effective information service in the library.

Continuing education and professional development of library staff involved with makerspaces

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 866-882 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Horton
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Continuing Education ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Job Title ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Question Survey

Purpose This paper reports the results of a survey of library staff members working with a library makerspace or with makerspace-related technologies. The purpose of this paper is to identify who is working with library makerspaces, what methods of training they have used, what training methods they prefer, and what topics they would like to see included in professional development and continuing education. Design/methodology/approach A 17-question survey was posted to two library makerspace-related listservs for two weeks. Findings The survey results found a varied array of job title of individuals working with library makerspaces. It also identified the preferred training methods, as well as the varied topics requested for professional development, showing a large need for a makerspace training in library staff. Originality/value This is the first study conducted about the preferred methods and topics of professional development and continuing education of library staff members working with makerspaces or makerspace-related technologies.

Innovation during crisis: exploring reaction of Swedish university libraries to COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 365-375
Author(s):  
Serdar Temiz ◽  
Lakshmi Pradip Salelkar
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Web Search ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Digital Services ◽  
The University

Purpose While universities are using more digital tools such as learning management systems (canvas, blackboard, etc). or massive open online courses (MOOCS) such as MIT, OpenCourseWare, edX, Coursera, digitalization has also influenced university libraries. Digital services of academic libraries need exploration on how they provide digital services and how they respond to COVID-19. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore and map digital services of academic libraries and their response to COVID-19 in Sweden. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research approach is used in this study. Through a Web search, data was gathered from all 39 universities in Sweden through two means: visiting university and their respective library websites; examination of other documents provided by the university such as press releases, announcements. Evaluation of the content and digital services and libraries response to COVID-19 is conducted by thematic coding. Findings In response to the ongoing COVID-19 spread, a general trend seen among all is limited working hours, shutting down physical libraries for general public, unmanning operations. All 39 number of universities in Sweden have moved their offerings toward using online tools. The main themes that have been identified from our study are as follows: Availability of Information, Accessibility of resources, Collaboration with other actors, Increased use of existing services, motivation and support to practice social distancing. Research limitations/implications Owing to the limitations of COVID-19 conditions, time and other aspects, there was not any opportunity to visit the university libraries or book time to interview librarians or students, which led to limited level and imperfect research. There are many other activities that university libraries are offering to their employees and using their internal newsletters and email groups to reach their audience; as a result, some of digital services that are offered during COVID-19 might have not been noticed. Practical implications These findings can provide base to other universities on how to react to COVID-19 and bring more discussion. Social implications COVID-19 has big social impact on people. The findings present that libraries can go beyond their responsibilities and provide emotional and psychological support the community towards social distancing such as videos, social online meetings, live video workshops. Originality/value The findings from this study call for a review digital services of academic libraries and their response to COVID-19 in Sweden, so that best reactions and services could be understood.

Knowledge sharing practices among cataloguers in Nigeria's academic libraries

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 295-309
Author(s):  
Wole Olatokun ◽  
Tobechukwu Mary-Ann Njideaka
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Depth Information ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Survey ◽  
Positive Perspective ◽  
Nigerian University

PurposeThe imperative role of cataloguing in libraries as the bedrock of information/knowledge organization, the need to manage and retain knowledge for strategic planning and better knowledge management (KM) frameworks, little or no information sharing in cataloguing units in federal university libraries in Nigeria, gave rise to this study. The purpose of this study is to identify knowledge sharing (KS) norms and factors that challenge KS practices among cataloguers to provide positive perspective and approach to KS in cataloguing sections of university libraries and improve KM frameworks for better service delivery.Design/methodology/approachBased on a qualitative survey design, this study examined KS norms, practices and challenges of cataloguers in five university libraries in south-west Nigeria. Data were collected through an open interview to gather in-depth information from 45 cataloguers. Given the small number of the cataloguing team in each library, an enlisting of all cataloguers (census survey) was pertinent for the study. Data collected were analyzed thematically, interviews transcribed and similar responses grouped to provide answers to research questions.FindingsThis study revealed KS norms to be somewhat inconsistent and informal than formal, though participants identified the crucial need for KS in their departments. Factors identified as challenges to KS: mood and pressure from work, participants seeing KS as a waste of time, the “know-it-all” attitude, tribal differences, lack of financial motivation, no formal training and mentoring programme, willingness to learn and copy cataloguing.Originality/valueThis study not only improves the dearth of literature on the issue of KS among cataloguers in Nigerian university libraries; but also provides definite perspective and approach to KS in university libraries' cataloguing section to improve KM frameworks for better service delivery.

Public libraries and public primary school literacy: a Kenyan case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 689-701
Author(s):  
Peter Mose
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
School Type ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Teachers And Parents

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain how public libraries have been instrumental in early child school literacy teaching and learning. Most African public schools do not usually afford enough core textbooks and supplementary readers.Design/methodology/approachThis was a qualitative case study in Western Kenya amongst public library staff members, public primary school teachers and parents of library children clients. The following questions were addressed: What is the book situation in public primary schools in the study site? What school-type literacy-related services are offered by the sampled public library? and What are library staff members’, teachers’ and parents’ feelings about the public library services offered? Observations, interviews and document studies were used to collect data. Data were analysed thematically.FindingsPublic schools do not have enough core textbooks and the situation is worse for supplementary readers; the public library branch studied offers critical school-type literacies to school children both at the library building as well as at public schools registered with it; and library staff members, teachers, and parents express positive feelings about the services offered.Research limitations/implicationsThis was a case study whose findings might not apply to the larger situation and the study did not confirm actual literacy benefits of the library services amongst school children by, for instance, conducting literacy tests. The findings are, however, an index to the possible situation in the macro context.Practical implicationsThe relevant stakeholders should find ways of co-opting public libraries as associates of public schools in literacy teaching. This relationship is not straight forward in Kenya.Originality/valueThe findings reported are from original research.

Strategies for sustainable services in academic libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 298-307
Author(s):  
Dianne Cmor
Keyword(s):  
Staff Development ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Services ◽  
Technological University ◽  
Structured Communication ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore distinctive yet simple strategies for sustainability in academic libraries focussing on structured communication templates for stakeholders, pre-planned daily programming, and regularized, self-sustaining staff development. Design/methodology/approach Case study of unique strategies implemented at Nanyang Technological University Libraries. Findings Each of the three strategies has been successfully launched though they are at various stages of maturity. The first two strategies (structured communication templates and daily programming) have been implemented quite recently, whereas the staff development programme has been running for some time. Findings indicate that sustainability in all of these cases is directly linked to good planning which either minimizes daily, weekly or monthly work, and/or helps to clarify goals and focus action. Practical implications These strategies are feasible, transferable, malleable, and impactful such that other academic libraries with varying staffing structures can adopt and adjust them to their local needs. Originality/value Implementing simple sustainable services and strategies can have real impact and can provide alternatives to large-scale projects that may be too resource intensive for many to undertake on a regular basis.

scholarly journals Maintaining digital collections with declining resources, fewer staff

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-100
Author(s):  
Wendy Walker ◽  
Teressa Keenan
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Digital Collections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
The Face ◽  
Continue Work ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
New Time

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe methods for restructuring workflows and efficiently using staff members and volunteers to continue work on multiple, simultaneous digital collections as budgets and resources decline. Design/methodology/approach This paper describes one library’s varied approaches to several digital collections supported by literature or volunteers in libraries. Findings In the face of continually declining resources and new, time-sensitive priorities and compliance responsibilities, librarians can continue to maintain digital collections by modifying workflows, using the services of volunteers and communicating strategically. Practical implications This paper is relevant to librarians, archivists and others who are looking for ways to justify and capitalize on the use of unconventional personnel in digital collections programs. Originality/value This paper presents a case of the successful use of volunteers to accomplish digital collections-related tasks in an academic library and provides a communication-based strategy for addressing some of the challenges related to volunteers in academic libraries.

scholarly journals The assessment of quality maturity levels in Nigerian university libraries

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 399-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Halima Egberongbe ◽  
Barbara Sen ◽  
Peter Willett
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Maturity Assessment ◽  
Nigerian University

Purpose Organizations constantly evaluate their activities to ensure that they are attaining their management goals. Maturity assessment enables organizations to examine their capabilities, support innovation and evaluate development. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the maturity statuses of a selection of Nigerian university libraries in a study to investigate their quality management (QM) approaches. The study provides recommendations for means to attain the required statuses in academic library development. Design/methodology/approach The study involved a multisite case study in which interviews were conducted with 15 university librarians (or their representatives) and ten focus groups were conducted with non-management library staff. The resulting qualitative data were analyzed using an aspect of framework analysis – charting, while a maturity model from the field of project management (Prince 2 Maturity Model, P2MM) was used to assess maturity in QM of the libraries. Findings The results of the maturity assessment indicate a basic knowledge of the concept of QM implementation among the libraries. The scores obtained on the P2MM capability scale placed the libraries studied mainly on Level 1 (awareness level) of the model. Practical implications This paper demonstrates that the culture of QM in academic libraries in Nigeria is at a low level with considerable potential for development. It is suggested that future adoption of quality maturity models to assess performance and organizational effectiveness would aid improvements for value-added services. Originality/value This is the first study to attempt the assessment of quality maturity levels in Nigerian academic libraries for identification of the organization’s positioning in QM and strategy.

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