Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
The key purpose of professional networking is to build meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships, with other people who can provide assistance and information that would help build or develop in the chosen career. The study investigated the professional networking and career development of library staff in universities in Oyo and Osun States. The study adopted a survey research design with a study population of 222 library staff in six university libraries from which a sample size of 170 respondents was selected using multi-stage sampling technique. A total enumeration of staff in the selected libraries was used. Questionnaire was the main research instrument used for data collection, while data was analysed using frequency distribution, percentages, mean and standard deviation together with regression and correlation analysis run on SPSS.
The study revealed that professional networking like NLA, LRCN, CILIP and community of practice were common among the library staff. On their professional development, library staff had the opportunity to attend workshops and conferences, as well as professional meetings. Professional networking enable the staff to easily stay in touch with coworkers and former coworkers and also share career-related ideas and information. Career development was significantly influenced by professional networking among library staff. If used appropriately and widely explored with active participation, professional networking has great potentials to transform and enhance librarians’ career. Therefore, library staff in academic libraries are encouraged to actively participate in professional networking and fully engage in their activities in order to enhance their career, while the university management should organize periodic trainings for library staff to enhance their skills and develop their career for effective job performance.