Evaluation of the extent of librarians’ innovation in academic libraries in South-West, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the extent of librarians‟ innovation in academic libraries in South-West, Nigeria. The study employed survey research design. The population comprised 391 academic librarians from public and private university libraries in South-West, Nigeria. The sample size of 196 was determined using Krejcie Morgan (1970) sample size determination Table. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to determined participants. A structured and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach‟s alpha reliability coefficients for the constructs ranged from 0.79 to 0.84. A returned rate of 97.4% was achieved. Descriptive statistics was used to analyzed data. The result revealed that the extent of librarians‟ innovation in academic libraries is high with weighted mean (x score of 3.91. Among the barriers to innovation in academic libraries in South-West, Nigeria are limited resources and investment, and lack of structured policies as indicated by the respondents (>70%). Therefore, the study recommended that University management in South-West, Nigeria should made available enough funds and technological infrastructure to enhance library management in the introduction and sustenance of innovation program/services. Similarly, library management should create structured policies on innovation for improved library services.