INFLUENCE OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING ON JOB PERFORMANCE OF LIBRARIANS IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of in-service training on job performance of librarians in federal university libraries in Nigeria. Three research questions guided the study in line with the research objectives. One null hypothesis was formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted descriptive survey and mixed methods research. The population of the study comprised 1,290 librarians with sample size of 510. The instruments for data collection were questionnaire and interview schedule. Research questions were descriptively analysed using frequency, percentages and median as a measure of central tendency with a decision criterion of fx≥ median=(high or agreed) and fx< median=(low or disagreed). Null hypothesis was inferentially analysed using Spearman’s rho rank correlation analysis. Findings revealed that level of job performance is moderate; influence of in-service training on job performance is moderate and the top 3 in-service training factors inhibiting job performance of librarians are: Self-sponsor to attend conferences, workshops and seminars before reimbursement, Poor managerial support and unfavourable environment towards in-service training and among others. The study concluded that managerial support and unfavourable environment towards in-service training are poor and need to be improve. The study recommended that university libraries in Nigeria should make library working environment more conducive for both staff and users, implore and encourage librarians to utilise other ways of in-service training such as career advancement programmes and virtual conferences, workshops and seminars.