Awareness of Career Prospects in Librarianship and Students’ Preparedness in Library Schools in South-East Nigeria

Abstract

The paper focused on Awareness of Career Prospects in librarianship and students‟ preparedness in library schools, South- East Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design method was adopted in this study. A total population of 552 respondents covering only final year students of the Library and Information Science Department of library schools in South-East was used for this study, to which 112 were randomly selected. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire and handbook for undergraduate programmes from 2012 to 2019 in each university where Library and Information Science is offered. Findings showed that information networking, software package, and library automation are taught by ESUT, IMSU, NAU, and ABSU only. While literature searching skills is not taught by any of the universities understudied, Introduction to ICT & Internet in Library and information services courses are taught by ESUT, IMSU and NAU. In addition, Electronic publishing and IT tools and computer application are taught only in MOUAU. It was also revealed that students are aware of the following information outlets: libraries, schools, archives, banks, media houses, museums, education and training institutions for information personnel, among others. Results indicated that SIWES and school coursework were the major events put in place in preparing students for a career in librarianship. Recommendations were made based on the findings.

Keywords: Awareness, Career prospects, Librarianship, Library schools