A survey of career intentions and entrepreneurial competencies needs of library and Information Science (LIS) students in Delta and Edo States, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the career intentions and entrepreneurial competencies needs of Library and Information Science students in Delta and Edo States of Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined students’ awareness of entrepreneurship opportunities available in librarianship, career intentions and entrepreneurial competencies needs of the students. The study covered level 400 LIS students in Delta and Edo States of Nigeria. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire which was distributed to 196 respondents using the accidental sampling technique. Results showed an awareness of  entrepreneurship opportunities among the students. It also revealed a high level of intention to get paid employment in the LIS profession by the LIS students. There was a perceived need for entrepreneurial competencies, mostly in the areas of marketing and information technology skills. Among others, the study recommended that entrepreneurship re-orientation should be given especially to final year students to help them become more interested in entrepreneurship in LIS.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Career Intentions, Competencies Needs, Library and Information Science (LIS) Students