Survey Of Motivation In Government Libraries
(A Case Study Of Ministries Of Education And Information Libraries)
Motivation plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficacy and productivity of government libraries, serving as the driving force behind the provision of quality services and resources to constituents. In the realm of government libraries, motivation encompasses various factors, including intrinsic passion for knowledge dissemination, commitment to public service, and the pursuit of organizational goals aligned with societal needs. Government librarians are spurred by the desire to empower citizens through access to reliable information, foster civic engagement, and facilitate lifelong learning. Additionally, the recognition of the importance of government libraries in promoting transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making further fuels the motivation of library staff. Through continuous professional development, collaboration with stakeholders, and leveraging technology for efficient information management, government libraries strive to remain responsive to evolving user needs and societal challenges, thereby reinforcing their significance as integral components of democratic governance and knowledge societies.
The study presents the views of eighteen (18) staff of ministries of Education and information libraries on the availability of staff motivation in government libraries and the extent, usefulness of the motivation techniques to the staff.
Eighteen questionnaires were distributed to the sample population and were fully filled and returned.
The findings were presented in a tabular form and percentages were used in analysis them from the data collection and analyzed it was observed that there are in existence some types of staff motivation factors and that these identified ones are useful through the government special libraries, under study here some problems facing the effectiveness of these programmers.
Conclusively, recommendations to the funding were given as follows; funding, recognition, even distribution, and relevant motivational techniques at the end appendix, questionnaire and bibliographies were also included.
Title page
Dedication
Acknowledge
Abstract
Table of contents
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
1.1 Historical Development
1.2 Statement of problem
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.4 Scope of the study
1.5 Research questions
1.6 Significance of study
1.7 References
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 References
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research design
3.2 Population
3.3. Sample size
3.4 Sources for data collection
3.5 Method of Data collection
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 DATA ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION/DISCUSSION
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 CONCLUSION
5.1 Recommendation
Bibliography
Appendix
INTRODUCTION
Motivation could be seen as that within the individual which his behaviours. One can therefore, say that motivation is the drive that ignites and energies the individual at work to act the way he does in any work group.
A motivated worker especially in government libraries is expected to feel contented and happy, and would perform his assigned work willingly and enthusiastically. Staff motivation could be seen as that means of gingering up workers to perform well in discharging their duties.
Staffing has been the main problem facing government libraries in Nigeria. In addition to undertstaffing in terms of numerical strength, most government libraries in the country have no qualified staff; Shair Ogusheye, Oguara, Moglim and a host of other highlighted this lack of qualified librarians in government libraries.
However, the situation has not remained static, some improvements have been made, while Ogusheye found only twelve professional libraries among the thirteen government libraries. She studied in 1970, only seventy-five percent of libraries surveyed by Oguara in 1995 have professional librarians.
Despite the improvement, a good number of government libraries are without professional librarians, this is due to the attitude of management of parent organization towards the library.
STAFF MOTIVATION FACTORS
An organization is said to have good management if it is not only able to top the maximum potentials from its employees but also able to produce a favourable comparative amount of job satisfaction for the employees.
The motivational factors includes; good salary, good working environment, free medicare, job security, good carree benefit, good retirement benefit, subsidies of meal, housing allowance, a good sense of belonging and responsibilities as we as welfare and staff developments through seminars, conferences and framing e.t.c
It is undoubtedly believe that the qualification and efficiency of output by any organization is determined by the caliber of manpower or human resources are some of the cardinal factors of production. And in view of the topic under study the efficiency of human resources management stems from the adequate definition of government librarianship and its services.
Both staff and the organization to which he belong have mutual expectations and desirable benefits. The full attainment of any organizational goal is only made possible through the satisfaction of the needs and desires and of member of that organization .
THE CONCEPT OF GOVERNMENT LIBRARIES
According to a definition by the government libraries attached to government institution.
A UNESCO PUBLICATION DEFINES GOVERNMENT Libraries as libraries primarily designed to serve a limited number of experts, scientist, research workers e.t.c ; and not coming within ang categories like national, university and school libraries. Their holdings are specific and relate to some particular subject coverage; for instance, agriculture, medicine, law history, economic e.t.c, these libraries may be attached to various bodies such as parliament, government
Department e.t.c
Here handy (2000) clearly acknowledge the nature of the job of a special librarian as that of exploiter of information. This shows the main job of government libraries in informant services rather than documentation or duty delivery. Government libraries enable professionals and researchers to keep abreast of available research and information relevant to their organization.
TYPES OF GOVERNMENT LIBRARIES
Government libraries can be grouped into the following categories; federal, state, and the local government own library centers. Both the federal and the state governments owned majority of the libraries out of those listed by Oguara. Only thre were owned by private association, thirty-eight by Federal and fifteen by the state.
Government libraries are in adequate in that, many of these libraries are very small and highly specialized user’s access to their holdings is limited. The different types of government libraries are
A. ministry of education library
B. ministry of justice (law library)
C. ministry of information library
D. ministry of health library
1.1 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF MINISTRIES OF EDDUCATION AND INFORMATION LIBRARIES
1.2 This ministries are part of the government administrative establishment set up to serve and maintain the regulatory and civil right of citizens, government through the office of its executive issues out order which will be expected to pass through a channel of hierarchy of command from the top the bottom in the organization.
1.3 This simply shows how works are been carried out from the upward flow to the down ward to the last person in the level of command in discharging and carrying out of activities. This establishment was set up under the government policies and this policies affects all their activities in all the department .all the activities in and out of the ministry is maintained and supported by the government fund
ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF MINISTRY OF EDUCATION LIBRARY
THIS IS A GOVERNMENT SPECIAL LIBRARY attached to educational ministry in other to solve and maintain some problems and standards associated to the educational sector in the state. Mean while, this library is district from other type of library ,because it manifest a peculiar characteristic it contains those relevant materials that meets the requirement of users or staff who might need it for educational, knowledge, collection, retrieval, selection dissemination, storage e.t.c purposes.
This library also houses government special publication, especially on education issues and displays of new government approved reading materials to various schools and collages, some publications on workshop, seminar conference with relevant topic are also showcased in the education library. This library maintained and stored a special educational collection which are properly documented for easy retrieval and collection by cliental
ROLE AND FUNTION OF MINISTRY OF INFORMATION LIBRARY
This ministry is also a part of the government administrative function organ. This library have a special collection on informative, materials such as brakes, periodical , new papers, special government publication e.t.c
This ministry in particular is divided into many broad branches according to their subject they are:
A. department of news and broadcasting services
B. department of culture, archives, monument and other evidential valued materials.
C. department of display /extention services, (through creation of publicity, assaneness campaign of recent publication, public enlightenment, public relation) e.t.c.
D. library board unit/section
E. government press and publishing for instance publication of newspapers and books e.t.c
F. administrative block; where duties are been discharged for effective utilization and productivity.
Information ministry is very essential organ in the mination of information, because their main function is to discharge information to those who need it for a purpose.
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
The major function of a library is the collection, organization, retiring and dissemination of information the desire with which to acquire are disseminate this information is the motivation of library staff. However, with the rate of government motivation strategies very few people have the interest of working in the library. We should realize that adequate motivation technique creates avenue for workers to have interest on the library Job. Also because of the negligence on the pent of the parent body and the rate of untrained librarians, the maximum satisfaction that they desired could not be attained.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF STUDY
General objective:
The broad objective of the research work is to investigate the roles and the extents of the existence of the staff motivation in government libraries .
Specific objective:
a. To determine the role of motivation in the performance of government library workers.
b. To identify the motivational techniques adopted by the government library under study for achievement of its soul.
c. To know the relevance of the existing staff motivation to the professional practices of libraries / libraries.
d. To seek possible alternatives for improving the working condition of the staff.
e. To determine the extent that motivation has inhanced or diminished the performance of the organization.
f. To identify the problems of staff motivation.
1.4 SCOPE / LIMITATION
The study concerns itself to motivational factors of government libraries. Emphasis will be laid on the management of ministries of education and information libraries.
More so, this project will examine trends, problems and prospects of motivation and the extent to which these variables effect staff performance.
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
This research seeks to provide answers to the following questions:
a. What is the role of motivation in the performance of government library workers?
b. What are the motivational factors provided by the government for higher performance?
c. How relevant are the existing staff motivation techniques to their professional practice?
d. To what extent has motivation enhanced or diminished performance in government library workers?
e. Does the government recognize motivation as an incentive to workers?
f. What are the causes of poor motivation in government libraries?
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
This work will help the general public to understand the reason why most librarians do not like working in the government libraries. It helps workers to know the organizational and management responsibilities.
Finally, it will go a long way in equipping the government library towards achieving of the organizational set goal. Librarians through professionalism in the field gives them selfes motivation that leads to effective performance.
1.7 REFERENCES TO CHAPTER ONE
OGUARA, et al, (1995) “Special Libraries in Nigeria”: Situation and outlook in Development in Nigerian libraries; 11 No. 3, pp 185-212.
ODUAGWU, E. A. (2002); “Library and Information Science” Theory and practice grace of God Publihers Owerri, pp 40-50.
STAFF TRAIINING AND DEVELOPMENT: A case study of Imo State Library Board Training Programme; nigarian bibliography vol. 1; WOI; January 1982, pp 7-9.
OJO IGBINOBA, M. E. (1996); History of Educational Library Ujo Publication Lagos; p 9
WEBSTERS NEW LEXICON ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE P.965.
Survey Of Motivation In Government Libraries:
Motivation in government libraries, like in any other workplace, is crucial for maintaining a productive and engaged workforce. Government libraries play a vital role in supporting government agencies, public access to information, and research activities. To ensure these libraries operate effectively, motivated staff are essential. Here are some key factors related to motivation in government libraries:
- Mission and Purpose: Government libraries often serve a clear and important mission related to information access, research, and public service. Employees who are aligned with and believe in this mission are more likely to be motivated. Regularly reminding staff of the library’s purpose and how their work contributes to the greater good can help sustain motivation.
- Recognition and Appreciation: Recognizing and appreciating the efforts of library staff is fundamental. This can be in the form of verbal praise, awards, or even financial incentives. When employees feel valued for their contributions, they are more likely to stay motivated.
- Professional Development: Offering opportunities for professional growth and development can be a strong motivator. Government libraries should encourage staff to attend training sessions, conferences, and workshops to enhance their skills and knowledge. This not only benefits the individual but also improves the library’s overall capabilities.
- Clear Goals and Expectations: Setting clear, achievable goals and expectations for library staff helps them understand their role and purpose. Regular feedback and performance evaluations can provide guidance and direction for improvement.
- Autonomy: Providing employees with some level of autonomy in their work can boost motivation. Allowing staff to make decisions related to their responsibilities and providing them with a sense of ownership can lead to increased job satisfaction.
- Inclusive Decision-Making: Involving staff in decision-making processes, especially those that directly affect their work, can make them feel more valued and engaged. It also allows for a diversity of perspectives and ideas.
- Work-Life Balance: Promoting a healthy work-life balance is essential for motivation. Encouraging employees to take breaks, use their vacation time, and avoid excessive overtime helps prevent burnout and maintains motivation over the long term.
- Competitive Compensation: Offering competitive salaries and benefits is a fundamental aspect of motivation. Employees need to feel that their compensation reflects their skills and the value they bring to the organization.
- Job Security: In government libraries, job security is often higher compared to private sector jobs. This can be a motivating factor for many employees who value stability in their careers.
- Recognition of Achievements: Celebrating individual and team achievements, whether through formal awards or informal acknowledgments, can boost motivation and morale within the library.
- Supportive Leadership: Effective leadership that provides guidance, mentorship, and support is crucial for maintaining motivation. Leaders should be accessible and open to addressing concerns and providing direction.
- Access to Resources: Ensuring that employees have access to the necessary resources, including books, databases, technology, and facilities, is essential for them to perform their jobs effectively and stay motivated.
Overall, motivation in government libraries is closely tied to the sense of purpose, recognition, growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment. By addressing these factors, government libraries can create a motivated and engaged workforce that contributes effectively to their mission and goals.