Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

 

Abstract

The goal of the library is to provide quality service and lifelong learning facilities to its users. However, there are indications of low level of effectiveness in many polytechnic libraries. Studies revealed that this could be attributed to leadership style. The study, therefore, investigated the extent to which leadership style influenced institutional effectiveness of polytechnic libraries in South-West, Nigeria.

The research adopted survey research design. The population consisted of 429 library personnel from the 32 polytechnic libraries in South-West, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 24 (75%) polytechnic libraries. Total enumeration was used for the 368 personnel of the selected polytechnic libraries. A validated questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients ranged from .81 to .95. The return rate was 86.96%. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential (simple and multiple regression) statistics.

Findings revealed that leadership style had a positive and significant influence on institutional effectiveness (β = 0.0134, t(317) = 0.1326, R2= 0.13037 p < .05). Furthermore, the level of institutional effectiveness was low (M =2.20 on a scale of five); leadership style predominately practiced was transactional (M =2.87 on a scale of five) closely followed by transformational leadership style (M =2.66 on a scale of five).

In conclusion, leadership style is a major factor contributing to low level of institutional effectiveness. Therefore, the study recommended that heads of libraries should practise more of transformational leadership style.

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