Entrepreneurship Development in University Libraries in the SouthSouth Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

Rationale of Study – This study examined entrepreneurship development in university libraries with a focus on reskilling, opportunities and challenges for library and information science practitioners in the South-South Zone of Nigeria.

Methodology – The study adopted the survey research design. Five research questions were postulated and one hypothesis formulated to find out the  relationship between the professional characteristics of library and information science (LIS) practitioners and their perception towards entrepreneurship  development. The population of the study was 150 LIS professionals drawn from all the governmentowned universities in the South-  South Zone of Nigeria. Data was collected using a questionnaire and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings – The findings show that LIS practitioners in the South-South Zone of Nigeria have a low perception towards entrepreneurship development  even though they have the right skills needed for entrepreneurship. The benefits derived from entrepreneurship include control and flexibility of own  time, among others. The study therefore concluded that no significant relationship exists between LIS practitioners’ professional characteristics and their  perception towards entrepreneurship development.

Practical Implications – Based on the findings, the researchers recommend that LIS schools and professional associations should organise sensitisation  or orientation programmes on entrepreneurship development in order to re-write the perception of library staff towards entrepreneurship.

Originality – This is an original research; it does not have any material previously published or written by another researcher without due  acknowledgements.