Quality assurance practices in selected public university libraries in Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated quality assurance practices in selected university libraries in Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was all the academic librarians working in the selected university libraries. Purposive sampling technique was used to select nine (9) out of the forty two (42) university libraries in the three (3) zones out of the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. Questionnaire and interview were the instruments used to collect data for the study. Total enumeration technique was used to administer questionnaire on all the 171 academic librarians in the selected university libraries. Major finding indicated that majority of university libraries lacked library-based quality assurance programme but depended on university-wide quality assurance programme as reflected in lack of quality assurance parameter like; policy framework, coordinating unit and supervisory committee or officer. Challenges of quality assurance as revealed in the study include: inadequate funding; lack of commitment by library management; inadequate knowledge about quality assurance practices among library personnel; lack of guidelines and standards by regulatory government and professional bodies; and inadequate facilities. The study recommends: establishment of library-based quality assurance programme with necessary policy framework, dedicated unit and qualified personnel; development of guidelines and standards by regulatory agencies; and training and outreach programmes for library personnel.