Mentoring: a Strategy for Professional Development of Librarians In Nigerian Universities

Abstract

This study investigated mentoring strategies in use for professional development of librarians in federal Universities in North-Central Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. Population of the study was 107 professional librarians. Four research questions guided the study. Instrument for data collection were: structured questionnaire and an interview schedule. Data obtained were analyzed using mean ratings. Major findings include: informal mentoring strategy is the main strategy in use for professional development of librarians in these universities, many benefits accrue from mentoring, yet there are challenges affecting it. Suggested ways to combat these challenges were given. The implication of the study is that if formal mentoring is not adopted and put in use, professional development of librarians will not be met, research and publication will be hindered and institutional rating may be affected. Keyword: Mentoring, Strategy, Professional Development, Librarians