Training needs of paraprofessional library staff in university libraries in South-East Nigeria

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 482-495
Author(s):  
Ijeoma Ibegbulam ◽  
Jacintha U. Eze
Keyword(s):  
Survey Design ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Training Needs ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
The University ◽  
Descriptive Survey ◽  
Training Opportunities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the training needs of paraprofessional library staff in university libraries in South-East Nigeria with the objective to find out their training needs, the training programmes available to them, their utilization of training opportunities, hindrances to their training and strategies for enhancing training for them. Design/methodology/approach The descriptive survey design and total enumeration technique were used for the study. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. The collected data were analysed using frequency counts and percentages and are presented in tables for clarity. The population of the study was comprised of all the paraprofessional staff of the university libraries in South-East Nigeria. Findings Major findings showed that paraprofessional staff had a variety of training needs. The findings also showed that training opportunities available for them were very limited and that staff based their utilization on availability rather than need. Factors such as inadequate training facilities and lack of fund hindered training. Strategies that can enhance training were also indicated. Practical implications This study has practical implication as it is an empirical study conducted among paraprofessional library staff to identify their training needs, training opportunities available, utilization of training opportunities, hindrances to their training and strategies that can effectively enhance training for them. Originality/value Looking at the objectives of the study and the fact that most researches are focussed on librarians not the support staff (paraprofessionals), it will be useful to library administrators, the library professional field and planners of training programmes.

Staff training and development programmes and work performance in the university libraries in Ghana

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mac-Anthony Cobblah ◽  
TB van der Walt
Keyword(s):  
Staff Development ◽  
Staff Training ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Training And Development ◽  
Information Services ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
The University

This paper investigated the relationship between staff development and job performance of the library staff of five selected universities in Ghana. The paper examined the effectiveness of staff training and development policies, programmes, methods, training needs analysis and the monitoring and evaluation methods of the university libraries in order to establish the effectiveness of staff development initiatives in library and information services. The study adopted survey design and mixed methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative approaches in a single study. Data was largely collected with a questionnaire, while interviews were used to collect data from head librarians and heads of departments. The observation instrument was also used to confirm some information provided by the respondents. The findings of the study established that there is a positive relationship between staff training and development and work performance of library staff in the selected university libraries in Ghana. The results also revealed that even though staff development contributes greatly to effective provision of library and information services, staff training alone did not contribute to staff effectiveness. Staff development must be complemented with other human resource management strategies such as reward, promotion, retooling, etc. The paper makes recommendations on how staff development can help improve upon library staff effectiveness.

A survey of the factors influencing the resistance of the employees of university libraries to technological changes

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 528-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Nakhoda ◽  
Samaneh Tajik
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Emotional Reactions ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Technological Changes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
The University ◽  
Descriptive Survey

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the factors influencing the resistance of the employees of Tehran University libraries to technological changes. Through achieving this aim, it attempts to provide a suitable understanding of these factors for the managers so that they would be able to reduce the resistance to change among the employees of university libraries. Design/methodology/approach This study is a descriptive survey in its data collection method. Based on the review of the literature, a questionnaire on resistance to technological changes was devised (Cronbach’s α coefficient being 93 percent). The questionnaire was distributed among 128 of the employees in the technology section of Tehran University libraries, and the achieved data were analyzed using an SPSS and PLS. Findings The findings achieved through a confirmatory factor analysis showed 11 elements of ambiguity, threat of the current situation, habit, lack of interest, the need for relearning, unsuitable understanding, inefficient rewarding system, emotional reactions, lack of interest understanding, inflexibility of the beliefs and feeling of being a veteran in the organization, which influence the resistance of the employees of the university libraries, among them the inefficient rewarding system ranks first and the unsuitable understanding ranks last. Originality/value In this research, an attempt is made to identify the resistance to technological changes shown by the employees of Tehran University libraries, which can be a guide for library managers to improve the changing process in their libraries. Influencing factors of resistance to change which had been identified by other research works were examined here regarding the circumstances of Tehran University Libraries.

scholarly journals Capacity building initiatives in preservation technique

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-113
Author(s):  
Miracle Eka Njeze ◽  
Iwu Juliana James
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Building ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
University Library ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Faculty And Staff ◽  
Level Of Training ◽  
The University ◽  
Descriptive Survey ◽  
Preservation Technique

The librarians are often encouraged to maintain and keep their collections accessible through digitization as their stock in trade is their collection. This study examined capacity building initiatives in preservation techniques in selected libraries and assessed the level of training received by different library staff. Four university libraries were randomly selected and a descriptive survey method using a self-developed questionnaire. The respondents comprised librarians and non-librarians. A total of one hundred and twenty copies of questionnaires were distributed, but a hundred and twelve was retrieved and used for the analysis. The study revealed that there were no professionals to manage the preservation section of the university library and as such, most institutions make do with Para-professionals like binders, technicians and library officers etc. Analysis from the respondent’s show that Universities in Nigeria are not exposed to capacity building in preservation. Finally, regular trainings are vital for the development of all staff and for any university to stand out amongst others; there must be provision for usual capacity building of both faculty and staff.

scholarly journals Effects of Training on the Performance of Senior Administrative Staff of University of Cape Coast

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 235
Author(s):  
Raphael Papa Kweku Andoh ◽  
Robert Appiah ◽  
Mark Kofi Adom-Nyankey
Keyword(s):  
Survey Design ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Administrative Staff ◽  
University Management ◽  
Cape Coast ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
The University ◽  
Descriptive Survey ◽  
Regular Training ◽  
Share Information

<p>The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of training programmes and opportunities for transfer of training on the performance of senior administrative staff of UCC.<strong> </strong>The descriptive survey design was employed for the study. The survey employed purposive and simple random sampling techniques in selecting a total of 158 respondents (senior administrative staff) for the study. The study revealed among others that training programmes are not administered regularly, perceptions/views of senior administrative staff about training programmes were not evaluated and their skills as well as behaviours were not assessed after training, there was inadequate practice during training and knowledge of staff were not measured after the training, the university does not place much emphasis on the application of training on the job and as well portals were not available to help store and share information with staff. The following recommendations were made; There should be regular training programmes for the senior administrative staff of UCC, more time should be allotted for practice during training, measures should be put in place by the university management to ensure that there is much emphasis on the application of knowledge acquired from training programmes, the perceptions/views of senior administrative staff about training programmes should be evaluated, skills and behaviour of senior administrative staff should be assessed/evaluated after training, an informational maps should be developed and published to be used by staff.</p>

Factors influencing job satisfaction of academic librarians in university libraries in Edo and Delta states, Nigeria

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 985-996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria O. Oyovwe Tinuoye ◽  
Saturday U. Omeluzor ◽  
Lucky Oji Akpojotor
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Private University ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Federal State ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Five Factors ◽  
Descriptive Survey

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence job satisfaction of academic librarians in university libraries in Edo and Delta states in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a descriptive survey design using 88 academic librarians in the university libraries in the two states. Total enumeration sampling technique was used for this study. All 88 librarians in the federal, state and private university libraries in Édo and Delta states of Nigeria were considered appropriate for this study. The instrument used for data collection was self-structured questionnaire, and all 88 respondents in this study responded to the questionnaire. Findings Five factors capable of influencing job satisfaction of employees – work environment, remuneration, fairness, promotion and training – were expatiated upon to ascertain their influence on librarians’ job satisfaction. The result revealed that all the variables significantly influence librarians’ job satisfaction which serves as stimulus for employee’s productivity and delivery of quality services to clientele. Originality/value This research is the first to ascertain the factors that influences job satisfaction of academic librarians in university libraries in Edo and Delta states of Nigeria.

Library leadership: opinions and attributes about Nigerian women academic librarians breaking the glass ceiling

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 221-233
Author(s):  
Clement Ola Adekoya
Keyword(s):  
Glass Ceiling ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nigerian Women ◽  
Management Positions ◽  
Women Librarians ◽  
The University ◽  
Descriptive Survey ◽  
Study Questionnaire

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the opinions and attributes about Nigerian women librarians breaking the glass ceiling that prevents them from reaching management positions in their respective libraries.Design/methodology/approachDescriptive survey research design was used for the study. Questionnaire was used as the instrument of data collection. The population of the study was 147 librarians at the university libraries of the six federal universities in South-west, Nigeria. Purposive and census sampling techniques were used for the study.FindingsIt was found that the opinions about women librarians occupying management positions in the libraries are negative. Women librarians do not have the required attributes and capability for management positions despite the fact that the extent of their preparedness for management positions is high. The study revealed that there is significant relationship between gender attributes and managerial capability.Originality/valueIt was recommended that there should be abandoning of organisational stereotype that characterises the opinions of librarians which make them think that women librarians are not fit for management positions. Women librarians should develop the attributes and capability that can qualify them for management positions in libraries.

Customer care practices at the University of Nairobi (UON), Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library (JKML), Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 142-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josephine Orayo ◽  
Jane Maina ◽  
Jotham Milimo Wasike ◽  
Felicitas Ciabere Ratanya
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Customer Care ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Ict Infrastructure ◽  
The University

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the customer care practices at the University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library (JKML), Kenya. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive research design was used. Simple random sampling technique was used to derive at an appropriate sample from the target population. A structured questionnaire and face-to-face interview was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. A total of 384 questionnaires were distributed to students and library staff. Face-to-face interview was conducted among five section heads. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and presented in tabulated summaries and figures. Findings JKML had not only put in place customer care practices but had also provided reliable services with notable professionalism among staff. Users were satisfied with the attention and information resources provided. Challenges encountered related to inadequate ICT infrastructure, lack of a written policy, lack of customer care skills among library staff and lack of managerial support. The study recommended inclusion of customer care in the mainstream of the strategic plan of the university. Research limitations/implications The major implication for this study is that sustainable customer care self-assessment needs to be explored in national and private libraries in Kenya. Practical implications This study provides a significant practical outlook on marketing-savvy approaches toward customer care and efforts made toward the achievement of the goals of the university. Originality/value This study provides insights on good practices on customer care which can be emulated by other academic libraries and adds value to the knowledge base.

Factors influencing collection development process at the University of Nairobi Library

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Wambui Kamau ◽  
Aggrey Luyiya Elegwa
Keyword(s):  
Development Policy ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Research Output ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Collection Development ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Library ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
The University

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the collection development process at the University of Nairobi library and suggest ways for improvement.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was employed to collect, analyze and interpret data from collection development librarians at the University of Nairobi purposively selected. Data were collected through structured interviews and documentary review. Data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive statistics.FindingsThe study established that the library has a written collection development policy which was revised in 2014 and is strictly adhered to. However, the policy has a gap on the role of faculty as stakeholders in the selection process. In addition, the criteria for selection are not explicitly stated. Findings also indicate that budget allocation, collection development policy, user demands, quality of staff, library consortium and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act of 2015 influence the collection development process at the University of Nairobi Library.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted in one public university library in Kenya. However, the findings may be applicable in similar university libraries in the country.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study may benefit students and faculty in the University of Nairobi from improved collection development process that would ensure that their information needs are met in a timely manner. This would lead to improved research output by students and faculty and ultimately improved research output by the university. University library management may also benefit in improving the collection development process, thereby making it more economical. The findings may also be useful in decision-making and policy development on matters pertaining to collection development at the University of Nairobi and other universities. Furthermore, the findings may be used by researchers to provide context and background information for future research on collection development in public universities locally and regionally.Originality/valueThis paper fulfills the need to make the collection development process in university libraries more efficient by proposing ways of addressing the challenges experienced.

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.

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