RESEARCH COLLABORATION AMONG LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE EDUCATORS AND PRACTITIONERS IN UNIVERSITIES IN DELTA AND EDO STATES, NIGERIAN

Abstract

This study investigated research collaboration among library and information science educators and practitioners in universities in Delta and Edo states, Nigerian. A descriptive research design was used for the study. The population of the study was 106 respondents which comprised of library educators and practitioners in public universities that offer Library and Information Science in Delta and Edo states. Total enumerative sampling technique was adopted due to the small size of the population. A questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistical tools were used for data analysis. It was found that the extent of research collaboration among the LIS educators and practitioners in diverse areas is small. The necessity for research collaboration among LIS educators and practitioners includes a paradigm shift in the LIS profession and enhancement of the ability to accomplish the mutual goal of the LIS schools and academic libraries. The factors that contributed to successful research collaboration among the LIS educators and practitioners included shared vision, trust, and mutual respect. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the LIS educators and practitioners should engage in research collaboration to cross-fertilize ideas on contemporary issues in LIS education and practice.