Motivation and job satisfaction as predictors to personnel management in Ambrose Alli University Library, Ekpoma

This study investigated motivation and job satisfaction as predictors of personnel management in Ambrose Alli University Library, Ekpoma. Personnel management remains pivotal in academic libraries, where human resources are critical for effective service delivery. Guided by Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory and Self-Determination Theory, the study employed descriptive survey research design. The population comprised 39 professional and paraprofessional staff of the library, out of which 30 respondents returned their copies of the questionnaire, representing a 76.92% response rate. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on motivation, job satisfaction, and personnel management practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of percentages and means, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation, and multiple regression analysis at a level of significance of p < .05. Findings revealed moderate to high levels of motivation (x̄ = 3.84), job satisfaction (x̄ = 3.67), and personnel management practices (x̄ = 3.92). Correlation analysis showed significant positive relationships between motivation and personnel management (r = .71, p < .01), and between job satisfaction and personnel management (r = .65, p < .01). Regression results indicated that motivation (β = .54, p < .001) and job satisfaction (β = .38, p < .01) jointly explained 62% of the variance in personnel management (R² = .62). The study concluded that motivation and job satisfaction significantly predict personnel management effectiveness in the library, with motivation exerting a stronger influence. The study recommended enhancing staff motivation through recognition programmes and professional development opportunities, improving job satisfaction by addressing remuneration and working conditions, and strengthening personnel management practices via transparent recruitment, participatory decision-making, and constructive performance appraisal. These measures will not only improve staff morale and retention but also enhance the library’s ability to fulfill its academic mandate.