LIBRARIANS’ PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION AS A CORRELATE OF QUALITY SERVICE DELIVERY IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN AKWA IBOM AND CROSS RIVER STATES, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined librarians’ professional certification as a correlate of quality service delivery in Federal University libraries in Akwa-Ibom and Cross River States.   In order to accomplish this purpose, one research question and one hypothesis were specifically designed to serve as a guide for the study. The study utilised a correlational research design. The population comprised 41 professional librarians in three federal university libraries in Akwa Ibom and Cross River State, Nigeria. A total enumeration sampling method was used to ensure full representation. The researcher developed an instrument titled the Professional Certification and Quality Service Delivery Questionnaire (PCQSD), which served as a data collection tool. The instrument was subjected to face validity. To establish the instrument’s reliability, it was trial tested on 10 librarians who were not part of the study, and a reliability coefficient of .72 was established. (PPMC) Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was used to answer the research questions and also to test the hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The findings revealed a significant correlation between librarians’ professional certification and quality service delivery in federal university libraries in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. It was concluded that librarians who prioritise their growth by engaging in professional certification equip themselves better to satisfy the evolving needs of information technology-savvy users. It was recommended among others that librarians should actively seek and enrol in relevant certification programmes that will enhance library practices in this technology-driven environment.