Appraising staffing patterns in a Nigerian university library, 1981‐1997

This paper discusses the staffing patterns at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Library, Bauchi, Nigeria from 1981‐1997. The expansion and scope of services of the library, application of modern technologies to library operations and funding dictated the staffing policy to a large extent. The difficulties encountered in getting the right calibre of staff, both professional/academic and supporting were highlighted. Finally, suggestions were posited for effective staffing of libraries in Nigeria.