Professional Collaboration between Librarians and Academic Staff in Nigerian Universities: Literature Survey and Personal Experience.

Abstract

This paper examined literature and personal experience in relation to professional collaboration as they affect and exist in Nigerian universities. The overall objective of this paper is to identify collaborative teaching, research, publication, training, mentoring and supervision between librarians and academic staff in Nigerian universities. Documentary sources mainly empirical literature, and personal experience in Nigerian universities in relation to collaboration were used. Results showed low level of the spirit of collaborative research and publication among academic staff in some Nigerian universities though collaborative teaching, mentoring, professional networking, and project supervision exist among academic staff. Based on literature survey and personal experience, there are challenges to professional collaboration in the areas of: indifference among collaborators and government, facilities and funding among others. Paper concluded that the national development or otherwise depend on effective collaboration among professionals (librarians and academic staff) in Nigerian universities. It was recommended among others: spirit of collaboration among academic staff be high; implementation of the recommendations to research findings by the concerned authorities.