Samaru Journal of Information Studies

An investigative study of relationship between organizational culture, organizational structure and knowledge sharing practices of employees in university libraries in South-West, Nigeria

2024-02-06T13:46:25+00:00

The paper investigated relationship between organizational culture, organizational structure and knowledge sharing practices of employees in university libraries in south-west, Nigeria and it was guided by three research hypotheses vis-à-vis there is no significant relationship between the existing organizational culture and knowledge sharing practices in selected university libraries in the South-West Nigeria; there is no significant relationship between the existing organizational structure and knowledge sharing practices in selected university libraries in the South-West Nigeria and lastly, there is no significant joint relationship between organizational culture, organizational structure and knowledge sharing practices in selected university libraries in the South-West Nigeria. The research is quantitative and copies of a self-developed and structured questionnaire which was adopted as the research instrument were served on the academic librarians and non-academic librarians that served as the population of the study. The findings revealed that organizational structure influenced knowledge sharing practices among academic librarians but there was no significant relationship between organizational culture and knowledge sharing practices among academic librarians in the studied libraries. It was concluded that knowledge sharing practices in Nigerian university libraries is strongly being supported by organizational structure unlike the organizational culture that recorded no significant relationship with knowledge sharing practices. The paper therefore recommended that the prevailing organizational culture in the studied libraries should be beef-up so as to enhance knowledge sharing practices. In doing so, managers in the university libraries should put up mechanisms that will strengthen trust, teamwork, fairness and justice among employees to enhance continuous knowledge sharing practices. By extension, concerted efforts should be put in place to further strengthen the existing organizational structure for the enhancement of knowledge sharing practices in Nigerian university libraries.

Assessment of interpersonal communication skills patterns among librarians for the delivery of reference and information services in Kashim Ibrahim Library, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

2024-02-06T13:51:50+00:00

This study was on the assessment of Interpersonal Communication Skills Patterns among Librarians for the Delivery of Reference and Information Services in Kashim Ibrahim Library, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria. the objectives of the study was to find out the patterns of interpersonal communal skill among librarians and to identify the interpersonal communication skills utilise by librarians for reference and information services delivery in Kashim Ibrahim Library ABU. Quantitative research methodology was adopted using cross-sectional survey research design. The target population of the study consisted of all the 18 reference librarians in Kashim Ibrahim Library ABU Zaria. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire. Data collected were descriptively analysed using frequency tables, simple percentages, mean and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that ability to speak fluently to users and ability to understand users queries are the major patterns of interpersonal communication skills among librarians in Kashim Ibrahim Library, ability to speak fluently to users and ability to understand users queries are major interpersonal communication skills Utilised by librarians for reference and information services, the librarians listening skills helps them in understanding users query in Kashim Ibrahim Library ABU Zaria. It could be concluded that interpersonal communication skills exists between reference librarians and library users in Kashim Ibrahim Library ABU Zaria for reference and Information Service delivery but it is not very effective and this could be one of the reasons for the decline in reference patronage in Kashim Ibrahim Library ABU Zaria. It was recommended that reference librarians should improve on their ability to speak fluently to users, ability to understand user queries, ability to ask users relevant questions concerning their needs, ability to guide users properly after listening to their queries and ability to serve users with the right information. Reference librarians should utilise the ability to send users answers to their query using appropriate channel, ability to receive and treat users query effectively and ability to provide good listening ears to users.

Job performance of academic librarians in selected federal university libraries in North-West, Nigeria

2024-02-06T13:56:39+00:00

The research investigated the job performance on academic librarians working in federal university libraries in the North-West region of Nigeria. The study employed a survey research design and focused on a total population of 221 academic librarians across 3 federal university libraries in the North-West region of Nigeria. In order to ensure comprehensive coverage and eliminate potential bias, the researcher chose to use a total enumeration or census method without employing any sampling technique. This decision was based on the manageable size of the population and the researcher's intention to achieve generalizability of the findings. Data was collected using a questionnaire as the research instrument, with a total of 221 questionnaires distributed and 176 (88.8%) returned by the respondents and utilized for data analysis. The questionnaire's validity and reliability were ensured through validation and a reliability test, resulting in Cronbach alpha coefficients ranging from 0.83 to 0.95 for the constructs. The collected data underwent analysis using descriptive statistics. The findings indicated a high level of job performance among academic librarians in the selected federal university libraries in the North-West region of Nigeria, with an Average Weighted Mean of 3.30 on a 4-point scale. Job performance was assessed through three indicators: declarative knowledge, motivation, and procedural knowledge. Based on the results, the study concluded that job performance contributes to the functioning of academic librarians in federal universities situated in the North-West region of Nigeria. Consequently, it was recommended that library management in public university libraries in the North-West region of Nigeria should take proactive measures to sustain and support the high level of job performance exhibited by academic librarians.

Influence of collaboration pattern on research productivity of academic librarians in South-West Nigeria

2024-02-06T13:59:38+00:00

This study investigated the influence of Collaboration Pattern on Research Productivity of Academic Librarians in South-West Nigeria. This underscores the importance of collaboration in research productivity. The research adopted survey research design. The population comprised 326 academic librarians from university libraries in South-West, Nigeria. Total enumeration was used for the study. A self-structured questionnaire was also used to collect data. The study achieved a response rate of 84.7%. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential (multiple regression) statistics. The results revealed that collaboration had a significant and positive influence on research productivity of academic librarians in South-West, Nigeria (R² = 0.240, β = 0.490, t(325) = 10.108; p < 0.05). Career stage (Beta= -0.255, t(322) = -4.175, p<0.05) and spatial proximity (Beta = -.112, t(322 =-2.767, p<0.05) had significant influences on the research productivity of academic librarians in South-West, Nigeria. The research recommends fostering a collaborative culture among academic librarians in their early, mid and late career stages. It also recommended setting up shared workplaces or collaborative zones where librarians can work in close proximity to one another.

Use of smartphones for academic activities among library and information science undergraduate students in federal universities in the northwestern states of Nigeria

2024-02-07T15:05:00+00:00

This study examined the use of smartphones for academic activities among Library and Information Science (LIS) undergraduate students in federal universities in the Northwestern States of Nigeria. A quantitative technique was adopted, using a cross-sectional survey research design. A total of 2,113 LIS undergraduates in federal universities in the northwestern states of Nigeria formed the population, out of which 634 (30%) were selected using a proportionate stratified sample technique. A structured questionnaire was distributed to this sample. The findings indicated that LIS undergraduate students in federal universities in the northwestern states of Nigeria used smartphones heavily and predominantly for making calls, accessing general information, and sending text messages. Concerning the type of academic activities LIS undergraduate students in federal universities in the northwestern states of Nigeria use smartphones for, the study revealed that the students heavily used smartphones for uploading learning materials, sending text messages about class assignments, and doing assignments. This study highlights the high frequency of smartphone use among Nigerian Library and Information Science undergraduates for academic and non-academic activities. The study concluded that Library and Information Science undergraduate students in federal universities in Nigeria use smartphones for academic activities. Meanwhile, smartphones have become indispensable tools for accessing information, conducting research, and communicating. The study recommended that emphasis should be geared toward integrating smartphones into the education curriculum and collaborating with policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to maximize the benefits of smartphones among LIS students.

Adoption of short video clips for teaching library user education in colleges of education in North West States, Nigeria

2024-02-06T14:06:55+00:00

This paper explore the adoption of Short Video Clips for Teaching Library User Education (LUE) in Colleges of Education in North West States, Nigeria. The objective of this paper is to proffer solutions to the problems identified. To achieve the aims of this study, the following objects were set: identify the policy requirements for the adoption of SVCs for teaching LUE in the Colleges of Education in the North West States, Nigeria; identify the skills and competencies required for the adoption of SVC by lecturers for teaching LUE programs in the Colleges of Education in the North West States, Nigeria; and to identify the perceived challenges associated with the adoption of SVCs for teaching LUE course in the Colleges of Education in North West States, Nigeria. A quantitative research methodology was adopted using survey research design for the study. The population of the study was comprised of all academic staff teaching Library User Education in the Colleges of Education in Northern States, Nigeria. The sample size of the study is one hundred and three (103) academic staff teaching Library User Education across the twelve Collages of Education in North West States, Nigeria. A Total Enumerative sampling technique was used for the study. The instrument used for data collection for this study was a self – developed questionnaire. The study found among others that the policy requirement for the adoption of SVCs for teaching was on monitory and evaluation as well as policy on learning resources. While content development and pedagogical skills were revealed to be the main skills required for the adoption of SVCs for teaching LUE Course in Colleges of Education. The study concluded that even though there is currently no policy on the adoption of SVCs for teaching Library Users Education in Nigeria Colleges of Education the respondents were able to identify some policies that they consider important for the adoption of SCVs. The study went further to identify the skills and competency that could facilitate the adoption of SVCs for teaching as well as some of the perceived challenges.

Impact of motivational factors on librarians’ job satisfaction in selected academic libraries of North-East, Nigeria

2024-02-06T14:12:12+00:00

This study examines the impact of motivational factors on librarians’ job satisfaction in academic libraries. It is guided by one (1) research question and two (2) hypotheses. The study aimed to determine the level of job satisfaction among librarians in academic libraries, impact of career advancement opportunity and impact of good working condition of services as motivational factors on librarians’ job satisfaction in academic libraries. Survey research design was used. The target population was 332 library staff. Total population sampling technique was employed for the study. Questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. Three hundred and thirty two (332) copies of questionnaire were administered to librarians’ in the selected Academic libraries, and response rate of 319 (96%) recorded which was used for data analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages displayed in tables; while ANOVA was used to test the null hypotheses. The findings revealed that there was high level of job satisfaction among librarians in the selected Academic Libraries in North-East, Nigeria. There was significant impact of career advancement on librarian’s job satisfaction and finally, there was significant impact of good working condition of services on librarian’s job satisfaction in academic libraries. Based on the findings some recommendations were made for improvement; the federal government should improve the level of career advancement and good working conditions so as to increase job satisfaction and performance in academic libraries.

Application of online information search skills for retrieval of online information resources among selected academics of federal college of education

2024-02-06T14:18:13+00:00

This study investigated application of online information search skills for retrieval of online information resources among selected academics of federal college of education, Zaria. The objectives of the study was to find out types of online information search skills are possessed by selected academics for retrieval of online information resources, types of online information search strategies used for retrieval of online information resources among selected academics and examine the means by which the selected academics have access to online information for retrieval of online information resources in Federal College of Education Zaria. A quantitative research method was adopted, and a case study research design was employed in the conduct of this study. The population of this study consists of twenty-nine (29) academics in the Department of Arabic at the Federal College of Education, Zaria. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. A total of twenty-nine (29) copies of the questionnaire were administered to Selected academics at the Federal College of Education, Zaria, with a total return rate of 28 (96.6%). The data collected for the study were presented and analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequency count, simple percentage, and mean. The findings arising from the studies indicated that the types of online information search skills possessed by academics in Federal College of Education Zaria were the ability to think before searching, the ability to search a specific site, the ability to search by author, the ability to search by keyword, and the ability to keep it simple. The types of online information search strategies used for retrieval of online information resources by academics were the use of a search engine, the use of a file search, and the use of phrase searching. Based on the findings of this study, it could be concluded that the majority of academics in FCE Zaria were not accessing and utilizing available online information resources due to a lack of online information search skills and search strategies. This could be necessitated due to the lack of information literacy skills and problems associated with the current trend in ICT. Therefore, the study recommended that there is a need for training on how to access and make use of the available online information resources with different search skills and search strategies. The Federal College of Education Zaria College library should take a leading role in creating more training programs among academics on online information search skills such as ability to narrow search, ability to use punctuation, ability to apply filters, ability to search by subject, ability to search by standard number, and ability to search by title. And the college library should organize workshops for academics on how to effectively search online information resources with different types of online information search strategies such as the use of Boolean operators, truncation, proximity search, parenthesis, and wildcards.

Assessment of use of radio frequency identification in some selected university libraries in Nigeria

2024-02-06T14:21:22+00:00

This study assessed the Use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in Some Selected University Libraries in Nigeria. It was guided by four objectives and four research questions. Survey research design was used for the with a target population of thirty four respondents. Total population sampling technique was employed for the study and online questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency count and percentages. The findings of the study revealed; majority of the respondents strongly agreed that they have good perception on the effectiveness of RFID implementation in the management of library resources, secondly, the study strongly agreed that RFID can be applied or use for the management of library resources as well as provides users with all their seamless services. Furthermore, the study also strongly agreed that FRID implementation has positive influences in the management of library resources. Finally, the study strongly agreed that; RFID cost is higher compared to other methods, RFID tags are vulnerable to compromise and RFID implementation can lead to loss of job as some of the major barriers affecting the use of RFID in the management of library resources. The study concludes that; the use of RFID technology in University libraries under study revealed numerous advantages and is very flexible compared to other methods of library operation most especially in this 21^st century. However, the implementation of system in University Libraries requires significant investment in the technology as well as in the training of staff that would handle the system, though the technology is not widely understood and not in use by majority of the universities in Nigeria but gradually RFID is increasing in popularity among University Libraries because of its economic sense, efficiency and easy to use.

Digital information resource collaboration among academic libraries of federal universities in northwest Nigeria: challenges

2024-02-06T14:24:43+00:00

This study examined the challenges to digital information resource collaboration among academic libraries in federal universities in Northwest Nigeria through a survey. One first generation university was selected (Ahmadu Bello University), and two second generation universities (Usmanu Danfodiyyo University, Sokoto and Bayero University Kano) for the study.
Quantitative methodology and survey design was used to collect primary data from the respondents in the university libraries studied. Data was collected from a total population of 67 respondents using self-develop questionnaire and analysed using frequency count and percentage.The study revealed that challenges to digital information resources collaboration among academic libraries in universities in Northwest Nigeria are funding, lack of will by the academic libraries to explore digital information resource collaboration as option to address shortage of information resources for library users, absence of implementable digital information resource collaboration policy among the academic libraries and non-cooperative attitude of academic libraries. The following recommendations were made: that academic libraries management in universities in Northwest Nigeria should initiate quick process to forming a common implementable digital information resources collaboration policy that will promote understanding and cooperation; there is need for digital information resources collaboration in science, soft and hard skill, health, research, education, technology and there is need to foster professional network and funding for sustainable digital information resources collaboration project among academic libraries in universities in Northwest Nigeria

Institutional factors and academic staff research productivity in selected Nigerian universities

2024-02-06T14:28:05+00:00

This study focused on the influence of institutional factors on research productivity of academic staff in Nigerian universities. The survey research design was adopted for the study while the Expectancy and Institutional theories provided the framework. The multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 724 as the sample size for the study. Findings from the study revealed an average level of research productivity among academic staff in Nigerian universities. The study further established conducive organisational culture and environmental factors as well as adequate motivational factors for research productivity of academic staff in Nigerian universities. On the other hand, funding for research activities was found to be inadequate. Institutional factors were established to be positively correlated with research productivity of academic staff in Nigerian universities. Organizational culture and funding are the most important factors found to be dominant institutional factors that contributed significantly to the level of research productivity of academic staff in the selected Nigerian universities. The study recommended provision of conducive environmental and motivational factors for academic staff research activities by university management in Nigerian universities

Librarians’ utilization of collection development policy and management of electronic information resources in university libraries in South-South, Nigeria

2024-02-06T14:31:57+00:00

This study examined the utilization of collection development policy and the management of electronic information resources by librarians in university libraries located in the South-South region of Nigeria. This study provided answers to such questions as: to what extent are librarians knowledgeable about collection development policy for management of EIRs in the university libraries? To what extent do librarians utilize the knowledge of collection development policy for the management of EIRs in the university libraries? And what is the relationship between librarians’ utilization of the knowledge of collection development policy, and management of electronic information resources (EIRs) in university libraries in south-south Nigeria? The study quantitatively employed the descriptive survey design of correlational type. The target population for the study were Librarians in South-South, Nigeria. Data were collected from librarians working in university libraries within the South-South region through a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire covered areas such as the existence and content of collection development policies, the selection and acquisition of electronic resources, budget allocation, user needs assessment, and evaluation of electronic resources. Data gathered were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean, standard deviation and relevant inferential statistics. The findings of the study reveal a high level of Librarian utilization of collection development policies in the region. The study shows that while some libraries have well-defined policies that inform their decision-making processes, others lack comprehensive policies or fail to implement them effectively. Findings from the study further revealed that Librarians’ knowledge of collection development policy explained a significant amount of the variance in the management of electronic information resources, F (1,204) = 14562.451, p = .000, R2 =. 993, R adjusted = .986. The regression coefficient (B = .906) indicated that an increase in librarians’ knowledge of collection development policy corresponds on average, to an increase in the management of electronic information resources. It also underscores the need for enhanced training and professional development opportunities for librarians to effectively manage electronic information resources. Furthermore, the study recommends collaborative efforts among university libraries, library consortia, and relevant stakeholders to address the challenges associated with budget constraints and improve resource-sharing initiatives. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the utilization of collection development policies and the management of electronic information resources by librarians in university libraries in the South-South region of Nigeria. The findings provide valuable insights for library administrators and policymakers to enhance collection development practices and ensure the effective management of electronic resources in these academic libraries.

Public library: a third place for children in Zaria Metropolises

2024-02-06T14:34:02+00:00

This study focused on public library as a third place for children in Zaria metropolises Three research objectives were used in the study. These are, to find out the alternative third place used by children in Zaria metropolis, to find out how often and for what purpose children use the third place, to find out how public libraries can be improved to suit the children’s needs as a third place. A qualitative research was adopted for the study. Data was collected through semi-structured interview and focus group discussion. Purposive sampling technique was used to select twenty participants in the four focus group used for the study. The findings of the study revealed that there are influences that affects the selection of alternative third place for children these are majorly sociological interaction, leisure activities, parental influences and the proximity of the third place freedom of access to churches, mosque, playground football field, most children rarely visit the library and the majorly use it for reading and home work but needs more gaming services that will attract them to use the public library, it was also discover that children will be willing to select the library as a third place if there are more fun activities were their friends and family would go there just as it happens in places of worship. The study concluded that public libraries are not considered as a third place for children and that services that will attract the children to use the library as a third place are lacking It was recommended among other that Librarians should device a means of creating more fun activities and services that will attract and make children use the library as a third place

Staff competencies for management of media resources and effective service delivery in federal university Gashua Library Yobe State Nigeria

2024-02-06T14:37:51+00:00

This study investigated the competencies of staff for management of media resources and effective services delivery in federal university library Gashua yobe state.in North East. Nigeria. The objectives of the study includes; To find out the level of staff competences required for management of media resources and effective services delivered, Two research questions were formulated in line with the specific objectives that guided the study. A descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The entire population of the study was 49 librarians from Federal University Gashua library, the questionnaire “title staff competencies required in management of media resources, and effective service delivery (SCRIMMRFESD). The responses of the librarian were used to answer the research questions. The instrument was structured on 4-point scale Management of media Resources” The instruments were face validated by three experts, two experts from department of Library and Information Science and one from Measurement and Evaluation Unit, Department of Science Education, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. Data was collected with the help of two briefed research assistance, the instrument was administered and retrieved within two weeks. The returned rate of the administered questionnaire was 100%. Data collected was analyzed using percentages, means and standard deviation to answer research questions. The findings of this study revealed different types of services delivered in Federal University Gashua library. Staff competencies for management of media resources and effective service delivery. Finally, some recommendations were made which include: library staff should be expert on how to manage media resources because of the emerging technologies .through, training, workshop, seminar, sabbatical and others.

Revitalizing katsina state public library sources of income generation activities through offering special services

2024-02-06T14:41:09+00:00

In response to paucity of funds in Katsina state public libraries, library managers have been compelled to introduce new idea of sourcing for funds in order to generate income to carter for the day to day smooth running of the library and sustain quality library services delivery to users. The objective of this study were to; evaluate the strength or state of available sources, examine the challenges facing offering special services and identify the actual measures to tackle the challenges facing offering special services for income generation activities. Qualitative research methodology was adopted and unstructured interview guide was used for data collection from 4 respondents out of 37 using purposive sampling and thematic analysis was used to systematically code and categorizes the data. The study revealed that sources of income for the library are not enough and they do not offer any special services; the study inadequate funding from state government to support the wider picture and opportunity for public libraries to seek for other sources of fund; also the study revealed adequate funding from the government for public library to perform special services functions. When done properly, it helps the library meet its financial goals to eradicate the scarcity of funds. The study recommends that government should allocate adequate funds to library as much as it’s needed to fulfil their special services functions, the library management should create a clear special services plan and perform different develop programs to generate income.

Knowledge sharing straiegies adopted for service delivery among academic librarians in university libraries in Nigeria

2024-02-06T14:45:33+00:00

The objective of this study was to review literature on knowledge sharing strategies adopted for service delivery among academic librarians in university libraries in Nigeria with a view of improving library services. The systematic literature review approach was adopted for the study which entails the researchers’ critical review on literature to gather data relevant to the study from local, national and international journals, conference papers and other sources of literature such as books and online sources and the review revealed the concept of knowledge, knowledge sharing strategies adopted by academic librarians in university libraries, types of services delivered by academic librarians in university libraries and the inhibitors to knowledge sharing practices among academic librarians in university libraries. The study discovered that codification and personalization strategy, communities of practice, knowledge repositories, staff training/human resources development, performance evaluation and/ appraisal strategy, mentorship programs, succession planning, job rotation and social networks were the knowlrdgr sharing strategies adopted for service delivery among academic librarians in university libraries in Nigeria. Hence, the study concluded that adopting knowledge sharing strategies is very vital and crucial to the success of every organization aiming at quality service delivery especially university libraries which has become a necessity. Hence, the study recommends that university libraries should institutionalize knowledge sharing strategies through personalization and codification strategies, Provision of well packaged incentives to academic librarians so as to motivate them on knowledge sharing and delivering services of high quality and the library management should devise a means to strengthen the level of trust and mutual understanding among academic librarians so as to make them feel secured and share their knowledge.