Discusses evolving trends in library consortia building against the backdrop of recent developments in some African countries. The expected benefits and barriers to consortia building are highlighted. The writers then suggest the way forward in successful consortia building among university libraries in Africa.
A brief historical background of Abubakar
Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) and its
library is given. This article then provides a
brief overview of the concept of staff
development and discusses in detail the
various staff development efforts of
librarians by ATBU Library, Bauchi. These
include staff orientation, staff meetings, in‐service
training, academic library staff
seminars and representation on Schools
Boards of Studies. Other relevant activities
include professional activities, library use
instructions, sabbatical leave, personnel
training and outreach as well as library
research. Finally, the article advocates that
staff development should also aim at staff
retention through the provision of incentives
for staff.
Briefly discusses the importance of motivation. Points out that
managers should take interest in motivating their workers for
this influences their performance and organizational
effectiveness. Gives a short review of the administrative
structure of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Library,
Bauchi, Nigeria (ATBU). Presents empirical data, which were
gathered by means of a questionnaire relating to the
motivation and productivity of library assistants in ATBU.
Also gives several suggestions aimed at improving the
productivity of staff.
This paper is of the view that public library services as they are presently, in Africa, have not changed very much from the service introduced by the colonial masters at the inception of these libraries. The libraries do not suit the needs of the people as they are mostly elitist institutions serving just a minority of the people in these countries. It is the view of the writers that this colonial mentality and parochial attitude towards service should change if public libraries have to make any impact in Afiica. New and improved services such as community libraries, cultural preservation and services for the visually handicapped are recommended.
A. A. Alcmna is Senior Lecturer,
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