Influence of Staff Training and Motivation on Job Performance of Academic Librarians in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The job performances of librarians are judged through quality services. However, there has been a noticeable drop in performance in the quality of work. In order to boost the performance of librarians, the concept of training and motivation is known to be intertwined with job performance. Thus, this study examined the influence of staff training and motivation on the job performance of academic librarians in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design. The population comprised 172 librarians in the academic library of sixteen higher educational institutions. Total enumeration was used. A structured questionnaire was adapted, validated and used to collect data. The Cronbach's Alpha coefficients for the constructs ranged from 0.751 to 0.823. The response rate was 81%. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential (multiple regression) statistics. Findings revealed that staff training significantly influenced the job performance of librarians (β= 0.204, t= 2.893, p<0.05), motivation significantly influence the job performance of librarians (R 2= 0.196, p< 0.05), individually, extrinsic motivation significantly influence job performance of librarians (β= 0.870, r = 0.279, t= 3.148, p<0.05) and intrinsic motivation significantly influence job performance of librarians (β= 0.436, r = 0.244, t= 2.749, p<0.05). Staff training and motivation jointly and significantly influence the job performance of librarians (R 2= 0.190, p< 0.05).Motivation is the most important factor that influences the job performance of librarians and training. The study recommended that libraries should incorporate activities and incentives that motivate librarians. Also, educational institutions need extensive training sessions and computer-based training skills enhancement.