Factors of Work Environment Affecting Librarians’ Job Performance and Productivity in Selected University Libraries in Nigeria

The study investigated factors of the work environment affecting the job performance and productivity of librarians in selected university libraries in Nigeria. The study cut across librarians of different categories, levels, and ranks at the university library in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. A descriptive research design and a purposive sampling technique were adopted for the study. The instrument used for data collection was a self-designed questionnaire, which was administered face-to-face during the 2024 Nigeria Library Association (NLA) Conference/Annual General Meeting on librarians who work at the university library. The physical and technological work environment was explored, including equipment, furniture, electricity, information and communication technologies (ICT) facilities, Internet access, restrooms, ventilation, cleanliness, and office illumination. The findings show that the physical facilities at the work environment, such as chairs, tables, file cabinets, air conditioners, toilet facilities, ventilation, and cleanliness have an effect on the job performance and productivity of librarians. The study also revealed that the technological work environment, including electricity supply, Internet access and ICT facilities, affected the delivery of library and information services to the library patrons and overall development of the library. The findings indicate that the work environment has the tendency to increase the performance and productivity of librarians while enhancing service delivery to the library clientele. The study recommended that the university library should maximize available equipment and facilities and prioritize improving its work environment for optimum performance and productivity of librarians at the university library.