Work Environment and Job Performance of Librarians in University Libraries in Delta State, Nigeria

This study examined the work environment and job performance of the librarians of the university libraries in Delta State Nigeria. The research objectives were: to assess the work environment of librarians in university libraries, to evaluate the level of job performance of the librarians in Delta State university libraries and to determine the effect of the work environment on the job performance of the librarians in university libraries. To achieve the objectives, three research questions were developed. The study was descriptive survey research design. The population consists of 10 university libraries in Delta State, Nigeria with 155 librarians as a whole population and a census method was adopted to cover the population. Data were gathered by a structured researcher-made questionnaire, namely Work Environment and Job Performance of Librarians in University Libraries Questionnaire” (WEJPLULQ), which had four parts namely socio-demographic information, work environment condition, job performance, and impact of work environment on job performance. A total of 155 questionnaires were given, from which 149 questionnaires were completed and useful for analysis, that is, 96% were returned. Data was analyzed descriptively with frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation and a criterion mean of 2.50 was used to make decisions. The results showed that the general condition of the work environment was favourable with an aggregate mean score of 3.22 which is higher than criterion mean of 2.50. The librarians mentioned that they had a safe and secure working environment, good cleanliness and hygiene, good communication with colleagues and supervisors, good library facilities and supportive working conditions in particular. The study also showed that the work performance of librarians was satisfactory with the mean score of 2.77 in the aggregate. Librarians exhibited significant strengths in terms of being proactive, co-operative with colleagues, facilitating library programmes, enhancing library services, doing things under pressure, and achieving targets for the job. The study also revealed that the job environment positively affected the job performance of the librarians, having an overall mean of 2.73. Management support, teamwork, availability of library resources, ergonomic furniture, supportive working conditions and organized library environment were identified as some of the factors that would have a positive effect on effective job performance. The study found that overall, the job environment of librarians in university libraries in Delta State is favourable and can enhance their job performance, but constant monitoring and improvement efforts are needed to maintain favourable working conditions and mitigate the negative factors. The study recommended that the University management should maintain and improve library facilities, office space, furniture, electricity, ventilation and other library facilities, equipment and information and communication technology facilities, library management should improve supportive work practices through effective communication, teamwork, recognition of library workers, supervision and training, the working environment of the library should be assessed periodically and it is necessary to intervene in time to improve the library working environment.