Factor for Research Productivity among Librarians in Nigeria Universities: A Study of Universities in Ogun State

Аннотация

This study investigated the role of collaborative tools as a stimulating factor for research productivity among librarians in Nigerian universities. Three research questions were raised to guide the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted, and the total enumeration method was used to include all 107 librarians from seven selected academic libraries across Ogun State. Data were collected using a self-structured, closed-ended questionnaire designed on Google Forms to allow easy online access and completion. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as regression analysis with the aid of SPSS version 26. Findings revealed that librarians highly use collaborative tools such as email, WhatsApp, Google Workspace, Zoom, and Telegram to support their research activities, indicating active engagement with digital platforms for communication, coordination, and document sharing. Despite this high usage, the study found that research productivity among librarians remains low, with limited output in terms of journal articles, conference papers, book chapters, and other scholarly works. Regression analysis further indicated a significant positive relationship between collaborative tools and research productivity, showing that librarians who effectively utilize these tools are likely to achieve higher research output. The study concluded that while collaborative tools enhance research processes, other factors such as institutional support, time management, research skills, and motivation also influence productivity. Recommendations include providing regular training workshops on collaborative tools, establishing structured research collaboration groups, implementing supportive university policies such as grants and reduced administrative duties, and integrating collaborative platforms into formal research management systems to track and enhance productivity.