Staff Development Programme In The Academic Library
(A Case Study Of Imo State Polytechnic Umuagwo)
A staff development program in the academic library is a structured initiative aimed at enhancing the knowledge, skills, and abilities of library personnel to meet the evolving needs of patrons and adapt to advancements in information technology and scholarly communication. This comprehensive program encompasses a diverse range of activities, including workshops, seminars, online courses, mentorship programs, and experiential learning opportunities, tailored to address specific competencies such as information literacy instruction, research support, digital scholarship, collection management, and emerging technologies. By investing in continuous professional development, academic libraries empower their staff to deliver high-quality services, foster innovation, promote collaboration, and effectively contribute to the scholarly community, thereby ensuring relevance and excellence in library services within the academic landscape.
The topic is on staff development programmes in academic libraries which deals with the management of staff in academic libraries on how they can be motivated, taking care of and being treated well in the programme conducted for them in order to render good services to the users of academic libraries.
The objectives of the study include: to identify staff development programmes that are carried out in Imo state polytechnic library and also to state polytechnic is effective and consistent. A method was designed and followed on this job, the method which include the research design, population of study, sample size and sample technique, instrument for data collection, the formal interview schedule, procedure for data collection and the method of data analysis.
After the research, a findings came up on which o observed that if the staff of the Imo state polytechnic library should be taken care of, they will discharge their service very well on the library users.
Based on the findings, I recommend that the management of academic libraries should endeavour to have proper auditing and analysis of the training.
Title Page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgment
Abstract
Table Of Contents
Chapter One
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Statement Of Problem
1.2 Objective Of The Study
1.3 Scope Of The Study
1.4 Research Question
1.6 Significance Of The Study
Chapter Two
2.0 Literature Review
Chapter Three
3.0 Research Methodology
3.1 Population Of The Study
3.2 Instrument For Data Collection
3.3 Method Of Data Collection
3.4 Method Of Data Analysis
Chapter Four
4.0 Data Presentation And Analysis
Chapter Five
5.0 Summary Of Findings, Conclusion AndRecommendation
5.1 Summary And Finding
5.2 Recommendation
5.3 Conclusion
Bibliography
Appendix
Questionnaire
1.0 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The hallmark of every organization is its human factor. The effectiveness of academic libraries depends on the efficiency of their staff development programme.
However, the term staff development covers a broad range of activities designed to provide staff with knowledge and skills that are directly related to their role and responsibilities in the library just as in state polytechnic, their staff undergo as a process of imparting the knowledge which they use, in carrying out the activities of the library effectively. In other words, the academic library requires competent staff that enable them to render services to the clientele.
According to Corto (1986), training seeks to improve and develop the knowledge, skill and attribute of employees. More so, the aspect of the staff will also help in the development of the academic libraries for instance, in the case of Imo state polytechnic library it has been that the staff there are not active or have the knowledge on how to take care of the library or run the library, your will see that the students will be finding it boring to be making use of the library or if the staff running the library are not capable and they are the harsh type, you will see that the students in that school will be finding it difficult or not having the goal to make use of the library.
In that case, you will see that the library will not develop up to the state it is now. In this, the staff development incorporate the skill development of the entire staff both the professional and non-professionals.
Similarly, the now employee need some educational training that will help to implicate their power factor while the order staff required training to keep them alert to the demands of the clientele.
Furthermore, it is necessary that the new employees that are employ in the library (i.e. the academic especially Imo state polytechnic library staff) should have intensive training on how to make use of the library and how to be police to the students so that it will be easy for them and the students to interact well and have a smooth work in the library.
The essence of staff development in the academic libraries is to ensure that the maximum potentials are tapped from the employees. This yield specialization in a situation whereby the materials resources of the library are in abundance there is need to have capable staff to manage these resources effectively the achievement of the organizational goal of Imo state polytechnic library fundamentally depends on the effective development, training of staff and the proper use of its human resource. More so, human resources managers in Imo state polytechnic library must systematically identify the component required by library personnel in the information communication technology (ICT) age and plant according to it.
Furthermore the introduction of information communication technologies becomes an indisputable tool in development of staff. It is indeed, an indisputable fact that libraries have metamorphosed from conventional libraries to electronic library (e-library). Therefore, all libraries are now embracing on how to apply information communication technology on daily basis.
As well, balanced development programme formularize an employee with basic information and routines of the library operators, will prepare staff for the challenges of complex modern technology which requires an integration of activities, persons of diverse and specialized competence.
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS
The issue of staff development in academic libraries has been a major source of problem. Most academic libraries today have not recognized the importance of staff development. The inability of the academic library management of perceives the importance of staff development has led to low productivity among the staff.
In other words staff from being competence. Inadequate funding seems to be a bane of staff development. This hamper management from conducting and organizing the programme and order staff from attending workshops, seminars and conferences.
1.3 OBEJCTIVES OF THE STUDY
1 To identify staff development programme that are carried out in Imo state polytechnic library
2 To investigate if staff development programme in Imo state polytechnic library is effective and consistent.
3 To find out the strategies adopted by the academic library under study in improving their staff development programme.
4 To find out factors affecting staff development programmesin academic libraries.
5 To make recommendations on how staff development in Imo state polytechnic library can be improved.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What is the rate effectiveness and consistence of staff development programmes?
2. What are the strategies adopted in imparting staff development in academic library?
3. How often the libraries undergo staff development?
4. What are the measures taken to tackle the situation?
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study of staff development in academic libraries is important because the result of the research work till of immense benefit to the staff in academic libraries. It will enable the staff to understand the importance which tends to investigate the method of staff development in the academic library and suggesting ways to improve it. It will also be a guide to library administrators for proper management of human resource.
In addition to the above, this work will go a long way to help other organizations like government parastatals in which development of their own staff hence staff development despite the area because there must be a similarities between Imo state polytechnic staff and those working in the ministry.
In concluding out significance, scholars, researchers will be in position to consult this project when they are writing on a topic that a related to this.
1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The emphasis in this study is staff development in academic libraries with Abia state polytechnic library as the case study. A research work will cover the name and problems militating against staff development programmes. It also focuses on the importance affects overall performance of staff in the library.
Staff Development Programme In The Academic Library:
A Staff Development Programme (SDP) in an academic library is crucial for the growth and effectiveness of the library and its staff members. It helps in keeping the library staff updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the field of library and information science. Here are some key components and considerations for developing a successful Staff Development Programme in an academic library:
- Needs Assessment: Begin by conducting a needs assessment to understand the skills and knowledge gaps among your library staff. This can be done through surveys, interviews, or observations.
- Goals and Objectives: Define clear goals and objectives for your Staff Development Programme. These should align with the library’s strategic goals and the individual development needs of staff members.
- Training Plan: Develop a comprehensive training plan that outlines the topics, methods, and resources for staff development. This plan should cover a range of areas such as library services, technology, leadership, and customer service.
- Training Methods: Consider various training methods, including workshops, seminars, online courses, webinars, conferences, and on-the-job training. Mix both formal and informal learning opportunities.
- Resource Allocation: Allocate resources for training, including budgets for courses, materials, and staff time. Seek external funding or grants if necessary.
- In-House Expertise: Encourage staff members to share their expertise and conduct in-house training sessions. This can help in knowledge sharing and building a learning culture within the library.
- Mentoring and Coaching: Implement mentoring and coaching programs where experienced staff members guide and support newer employees. This can be particularly effective for on-the-job training.
- Professional Memberships: Encourage staff to join professional organizations related to library and information science. These memberships often provide access to valuable resources and networking opportunities.
- Performance Evaluation: Tie staff development to performance evaluation and career progression. Recognize and reward staff who actively participate in training and show improvement in their skills.
- Technology Training: Given the rapid changes in library technology, provide regular training on library management systems, digital tools, and emerging technologies.
- Leadership Development: Offer leadership development programs for staff who aspire to take on managerial or leadership roles within the library.
- Evaluation and Feedback: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the Staff Development Programme through feedback from staff and assessment of learning outcomes. Make necessary adjustments to the program based on this feedback.
- Flexibility: Recognize that staff have diverse learning needs and styles. Provide flexibility in the Staff Development Programme to accommodate individual preferences and schedules.
- Record-Keeping: Maintain records of staff training and development activities. This helps in tracking progress and ensures compliance with professional development requirements.
- Promote a Learning Culture: Create a culture of continuous learning within the library where staff are encouraged to seek knowledge, share ideas, and engage in professional development.
- External Partnerships: Collaborate with other academic institutions, libraries, and professional organizations to access additional training resources and expertise.
- Communication: Communicate the importance of staff development to all levels of the organization, including library administrators, staff, and stakeholders.
A well-planned and executed Staff Development Programme can enhance the quality of services provided by the academic library, keep staff motivated and engaged, and contribute to the overall success of the institution. It is an investment in the professional growth of library staff and, by extension, the success of the library itself.