CAREER DEVELOPMENT OF PERSONNEL IN NIGERIAN ACADEMIC LIBRARIESIN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

Abstract

Career development is an essential part of library personnel because it ensures and drives their growth, development and success in the profession. It is multifaceted in nature which involves continuous learning, skill enhancement, competence and professional growth. In the energetic setting of information management, library personnel have to adapt technological advancement, evolving information seeking behaviours and the changing needs of their users. In recent years, there has been a continuous recognition of the need for constant and uninterrupted professional development in the field of librarianship. The purpose of this paper was to examine the level of
career development of library personnel in contemporary society in Nigeria and how it impacts their job performances. The study adopted a desk methodology where secondary data were basically collected from existing literature and looked into already published studies and
reports. The resources were easily accessed through online journals and information materials from libraries. Therefore, this paper explored the key components of career development for library personnel, the role of mentorship and the institutional support focusing on the various
strategies and programmes that have been implemented to support career development of library personnel. It also explored the key competences and skills required for a successful career development in librarianship. In addition, the paper discussed the challenges and opportunities that the library personnel encounter in the journey to their career development and offers recommendations for improvement