Attitude of librarians towards professional issues in Nigeria: Niger State in perspective

Abstract

This paper highlighted the concepts of library and information science, information professionals, librarian, characteristics of librarianship as a profession. Addressed by this paper is the attitude of librarians towards LIS professional issues surrounding librarianship in Nigeria and Niger State in particular and include: non-interest in the scholarly contribution to knowledges, continuing professional development, non-identification/exposure as professionals, emphasis on administrative duties as opposed to professional duties, irregular/non-payment of annual membership dues. For each of these attitudes exhibited by librarians, the paper was able to enumerate the corresponding ideal situation. Factors affecting the attitude of librarians in participating in LIS professional issues were enumerated and include; attitude of the state chapter executive council members towards organizing meeting/publicity, employers attitudes towards LIS matters and funding issues. Conclusion was that the implication of these attitudes would include; non-updateness on LIS matters on the part of librarians, professional development/promotion prospect will negatively be affected; librarians in the state. The paper recommended that there should be wider publicity through modern media; employers’ recognition to librarianship in terms of continuing professional development. Other recommendations include: enforcement of the Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) law on employment, professional practice and promotion; organizing regular workshops by executive council of the Nigerian Library Assciation (NLA), Niger state Chapter.