Motivating staff in Nigerian university libraries

Reports on a survey conducted to investigate the level of motivation among librarians and para‐professional staff in Nigerian university libraries using the questionnaire method to elicit the necessary data. Major variables considered are: training opportunities, frequency of development, work environment, promotion prospects, sabbatical leave, communication and management style. Also attempts a brief definition of motivation and examines the views of a few classical writers on the subject. Reveals a general dissatisfaction with all the variables but one, i.e. frequency of development. All the respondents agreed with the frequency of development of staff in their respective libraries. Suggests some practical ways of motivating staff. Chief among these is the management style of university librarians going out to see for themselves what is going on in the various sections of the libraries. By this, university librarians will be able to observe their staff at work, talk to them in their various offices on a regular basis and be able to carry out on‐the‐spot assessment, listen and praise staff as the case may be.