Extent of Librarians’ Motivation in Public Libraries in South-East Nigeria.

Abstract

This study investigated the extent of  librarians’ motivation in public libraries  in South-east geopolitical zone of Nigeria, comprising  Abia,  Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.

Five research questions guided the investigation. The descriptive survey design was adopted in the study. Structured questionnaire, interviews, and record examination and  analysis  were used to collect the data for the study.

Three senior lecturers from the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Nigeria, at the request of the researcher subjected the instruments used for the study to face validation and confirmed their suitability for the study after  making suggestions and modifications.

The questionnaires were administered to respondents and collected on the same day. The data collected were collated, analyzed using descriptive statistics involving mean frequencies, standard deviation and percentages.

The findings of the study showed that librarians’ motivation and productivity in the public libraries in the south-east geo-political zone of Nigeria was low.

Furthermore, it was discovered that there is a chain reciprocal relationship between librarians’ motivation, productivity and conditions of service, funding, work environment, and training.

The study also found out that motivational elements such as adequate funding, prompt  payment of salaries and regular promotions were lacking in these libraries.

Training opportunities where they existed were not exploited. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended, among others, that the governments of the states where these libraries are located should increase the yearly budgetary allocations of the libraries by at least 200%.

Training opportunities should be funded by the governments as sponsoring agents and such opportunities should be well exploited by the librarians themselves.

Introduction

Background Of Study

This study set out to investigate the extent of librarians’ motivation  in the public libraries in south-east states of Nigeria.

As part of its theoretical background, the researcher made attempts to discuss some of the key  issues that gave the work its focus.

This study set out to investigate the extent of librarians’ motivation  in the public libraries in south-east states of Nigeria.

As part of its theoretical background, the researcher made attempts to discuss some of the key  issues that gave the work its focus.

One of the critical issues examined in this regard is the meaning as well as the objectives of public libraries.

The public library is an important organisation which has been developed for the promotion of informal and continuing education of the members of a society. perspectives about the meaning of public libraries often differ among scholars.

According to Olanlokun and Salisu (1993), public libraries are libraries set up  to provide  free but traditional services to everyone.

Adio and Olasino (2005) have also described public libraries as the people’s university in a democratic society operated for the people by the people.

References

Abdulkarim. M (2010). Improving Public Libraries in Nigeria. Retrieved from www.weeklytrust.com.ng

Adegoke Blessing (2010). Effect of training on employees’ productivity in public service organization, Munchen, GRIN Verlag GmbH.

Adeyideino, M.(1992). The Role of Public Libraries in Literacy Programme in Kaduna: A CaseStudy of Kaduna State Public Library Extension Services. BLS Project: Zaria. Department of Library and Information Sciences. P.14.

Adimorah, E.NO. (1988). Information use in a period of economic recession. An address Delivered at the Closing Ceremony of a Workshop on Fundamentals of Librarianship and information science held at the Imo State Library Board, Owerri.

Adio, G. and Olasina, G. (2005). The Role of Libraries in Educational Development. Library Philosophy and Practise, 29(2).

Agu, lC. (2000). Problems of Motivation of Staff in  Government Enterprises:  A Case Study of Niger Gas Ltd., Emene, Enugu, Unpublished M.Sc, Thesis, ESUT, Enugu.

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