Training and retraining: a catalyst for retooling 21^st century librarians for effective information service delivery in academic libraries in south south, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines training and retraining: a catalyst for retooling 21^st Century librarians for effective information service deliver in academic libraries in South-south, Nigeria. The total population for this study comprises of 235 (Two hundred and thirty five) librarians working in State, Federal and Private university libraries in South-south, Nigeria. The entire population of the study was sampled using total enumeration sampling technique because of the small and manageable size of the population. Findings from this study revealed that the service rendered in full capacity to users by librarians in university libraries in South-south, Nigeria in this 21^st Century are e-library service, e-mail service, e-reference service, selective dissemination of information service via social media networks, printing and photocopying service, online referral service and Internet service among others; that the librarians working in academic libraries in the South-south, region of Nigeria needs training in librarianship in the area of e-library service, e-mail Service, e-reference service, OPAC service, selective dissemination of Information on social media networks, digitization services, that training and retraining of librarian working in university libraries in the South-south region of Nigeria will lead to effective service delivery in the library, timely service delivery in the library, error free information services for library users, user satisfaction with library services and resources, easy access to library resources for library users, development of positive attitude to work among librarians. Recommendations were made based on the findings of the study which include: University library management should support the training and retraining of their librarians through TETFUND and other sources to ensure that their libraries are equipped with capable librarians who can function effectively in the face of the 21^st Century information demands of the library users among others.

Keywords: Training, Retraining, Information, Service Delivery, Librarians