Publication Output of Lecturers in Library Schools, Nigeria

Abstract

In recent times, there has been an observed stagnation of lecturers in terms of academic level growth and non-promotion, which is linked with publication output. This necessitated the investigation of LIS lecturers’ publication output in universities in Nigeria. The descriptive design was adopted using an online questionnaire, which yielded 86 responses. Data generated were analyzed using simple percentages, Tukey HSD tests, and ANOVA. The study revealed that the productivity of LIS lecturers is based on their area of specialty and interest. Factors such as promotion, contribution to knowledge, peer recognition, salary improvement, and staying current (consistency/complete involvement in research activities) were the major reasons that they publish. Time constraints, poor interpretation skills, exorbitant publication fees by journal editorials, and the high rejection rate of manuscripts by journals hinder publications. Statistical significance was observed in the number of publications of LIS lecturers from library schools in various geopolitical areas. The study therefore recommends that financial support from both government and non-governmental organizations should be made available to lecturers. Such funds should be accessible with the provision that there be appropriate feedback on research progress. Departments and institutions can also organize seminars or symposia on the need to collaborate in research, and outline steps on the preparation of manuscripts suitable for publication in reputable journals to avoid rejection by journal editorial boards. There should also be a reduction of workload for lecturers through the provision of work leave/vacation for some period of time to ease work and research tension.