ENEMS MICROSYSTEMS RESEARCH SPOT: THE IMPACT OF TRAINING LIBRARY WORKERS (LIBRARIANS) IN MANAGING SCHOOL LIBRARIES

THE IMPACT OF TRAINING LIBRARY WORKERS (LIBRARIANS) IN MANAGING SCHOOL LIBRARIES

(An assessment of Kaduna State University Library)

ABSTRACT

This research is based on comprehensive study on the Impact of Training Library Workers (Librarians) in Managing School Libraries. An assessment of Kaduna State University library. The study is aimed at surveying the present status of training librarian in Kaduna State University Library in order to bring suggestions that might improve the training of librarians in Kaduna State University Library. Chapter one of this project works serves as an introduction that contains historical background, statement of the problems, research questions, purpose of the study, significance of the study, operational definition of terms, and references. Chapter two reviews the relevant text relating to the research question in the project. Chapter three highlighted the methodology of data and the organization of this study. Chapter four highlights the analysis of data collected and the number and percentage approach. Chapter five is concerned with the summary, conclusion and recommendations to the management of Kaduna State University Library Kaduna.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 GENERAL OVERVIEW

Each organization has a mission to accomplish. This is exhibited in the role any given organization is expected to perform. The accomplishment of the role of organization is subject to a number of factors, firstly each member has to understand the role he is expected to perform. Secondly, that the individual understands of their role within the organization is not enough in itself but this is complemented when an individual possesses the right skill with which to perform his organizational role effectively and efficiently. This is what training and retraining tries to reconcile.

The 6^th edition of the Oxford Learners Dictionary defined training as the process of leaving the skills that you need to do a job, it is also organized activity aimed at importing information and or instructions to improve the recipients. Training; training also refers to the acquisition of knowledge skills, and competencies as a result of teaching by (en.wikipedia.org). Although, various comments have been made about library services in seminars, conferences, workshop, academic journals and newspapers reports but little attention has been in the direction to training workers (librarians) in school libraries. A critical analysis of the issues so raised centre on inefficiency lack of funds and defects in organizational structure to mention a few. Not much has been said about librarians, this is why I think that the choice of training library workers, A case study of Kaduna State University Library.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Kaduna State University known as (KASU) was established on 21^st May, 2004 as in the previous issues, the various activities of the University carried out during the period under review form the basis of the reports. It has marked the beginning of the tenure of the Third Vice Chancellor of the University Professor Ezzeldin Muktar Abdulrahman, who was appointed in January 2007. The period also witnessed a much more vigorous pursuit of the University in terms of teaching, researcher and community services. Significant milestone recorded during the period under review include the take off of additional three departments, namely Islamic studies and Christian studies. These brings to a total of twenty two programmes and twenty departments in the three faculties of the University. Furthermore, the remedial school was renamed college of basic studies and had undergone major reorganization to enable it achieve a better performance. Within the campus, there was a remarkable improvement in physical structures. The structures left behind by Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital at Kaduna were handed over to the University. The campus road network was greatly improved. The University computer centre built by the Kaduna State government and equipped by education trust fund (ETF) as well as the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre built by petroleum technology development fund (PTDF) were commissioned.

In addition to physical development, this report highlights academic and extra-curricular activities. It also catalogues several tables of useful statistical data on student enrolment, staffing and budgetary allocations during the year.

Finally, the report highlights the various problems encountered and progress made in the development of the University. The University being a growing institution will appreciate a greater understanding from the general public and more financial support from the state government (KASU). Also Kaduna University has e-library which was established in 2005.

It is established in a twin secondary school classroom building with stocks provided by the Kaduna State Government. The library also made provision for both ICT skilled and technical staffs. The Kaduna State University is still in process of development to provide adequate and efficient services to its clientele and has plans for a bugger and well established division in the near coming future.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Kaduna state University provides training and also see the impact of training the library workers (librarians) for effective use of the library resources (both printed and non-printed format). One also wonders why there is a scanty of the school libraries and its management could it be that the materials are adequate? Even the few that comes to the library, mishandle the books, the problems of lack of one and lack of enough staff also comes in.

One of the factors that hinder the growth of the school libraries in Nigeria has been its level of literacy. Many people are illiterates and even the few literates in the country do not regard the library as something important.

1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What are the kinds of training programmes given to Kaduna State University workers (Librarians) in effective management of the library?

2. What are the perceptions of library workers (Librarians) on training in managing the library.

3. What problems militate against training the library workers (Librarians)?

4. What strategies are being adopted to overcome such problems?

1.4 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

1. To identify whether the training offered promote or import knowledge to the librarian for effective management of the school library.

2. To examine the effect so far made by the Kaduna State University library in developing the library workers (Librarians) through training them for an effective management of the school libraries.

3. To identify whether the necessary programmes which the Kaduna State University library has put in place for training the library workers(Librarians) has positively impact or exploit the services.

4. To examine whether the problems faced in training the workers (Librarians) in Kaduna State University libraries can be resolved.

5. To determine the strategies to be adopted in order to provide a basis in suggestion to the problems.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This research is aimed at:

Contributing to the expansion of the frontiers of the existing knowledge particularly as it relates to the impact of training of library workers (Librarians) for an effective management of the school libraries.
The research will help the management of the school libraries and other establishment of similar nature to see some areas which might require greater attention on training.
This research work will assist the librarians to perform their expected role of providing and improved efficient and effective school library services.
The findings of this research will be an invaluable instrument for identification of the importance of training the library workers (Librarians) to manage school libraries.
Also to those just beginning their careers as librarians this study would provide two contrasting models that are invaluable in understanding the operational structures of the profession.

1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This study will particularly be limited to Kaduna State University library. This research will look into the impact, importance and the objectives of using training as the main tool of school library policy. It will also consider other complementary tools so as to access its impact in the management system. The task of completing this project is a difficult one due to the following constraints

Time: Lack of adequate time at the disposal of the research has caused the research work to be limited to the areas covered.
Finance: Inadequate finance has a lot of effects on the research work. Transportation and cost of stationery materials made the research to be limited to some extent.
Access to data: Lack of cooperation by some staff of the library, who are responsible to the concerned data needed, greatly affected by level of information gathered.

1.7 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

Social science terms are subject to different interpretation. In recognition of this, the following definition will be applied to this research:

1. Training: Is defined as by Barrett (2003) as the passing on of skill and knowledge in order that individuals can carry out their present or future job roles effectively.

2. Management: Is the body of knowledge about management. Managing is the process of planning, organizing, directing and coordinating and also controlling raw materials, machines and money so as to secure the optimum achievement of objectives.

3. Development: The gradual growth of something so that it becomes more advanced stronger etc. It could also be any of the various acts that could lead to an organization.

4. School Library: A school library is an organized collection of books and non-book materials for the use of the pupils /students and staff of the school. Such libraries include those established in primary and post primary schools. The school library is funded by the proprietor that is, the body responsible for establishing the school which may be the government, community, organization or an individual.

5. Library workers/ school library: The person appointed to take charge of the library, who also has normally received some professional training.

6. Fund: Financial availability for the purchase of library materials and equipment and also payment of personnel costs.

7. Information: Any distinct signal element forming part of a message or communication, especially one assembled and made available for use by automatic machines as a digital computer usually measured in bits.

8. Technology: Theoretical knowledge of industry and industrial art or application of science to the arts.

ENEMS MICROSYSTEMS RESEARCH SPOT

Wednesday, 15 March 2023

THE IMPACT OF TRAINING LIBRARY WORKERS (LIBRARIANS) IN MANAGING SCHOOL LIBRARIES

THE IMPACT OF TRAINING LIBRARY WORKERS (LIBRARIANS) IN MANAGING SCHOOL LIBRARIES

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