Assessment of Libraries’ Organisational Structure and Information Service Delivery in Universities in South-West, Nigeria

Abstract

The study appraised academic libraries’ organisational structure on information service delivery in four selected universities in south-west, Nigeria. The pyramidal structure of academic libraries in Nigeria with its attendance implications which included slow and bureaucratic process in decision making which impede prompt implementation of novel ideas served as impetus for this study. The study examined four research questions. The descriptive survey design was adopted and the study population comprised librarians and users (students) of academic libraries in four universities in south-west, Nigeria. A total of five hundred respondents were sampled using proportionate and simple random sampling techniques, while the instruments of data collection were two self-developed structured questionnaire; validated at 7.01 and 8.06 Crombach Alpha. The data generated were analysed using descriptive statistical method of frequency distribution and simple percentages. Findings revealed that pyramidal structure, centrality of authority, the need to secure approval from multiple unit heads, the presence of multi-level managers through whom communication flow downward, formalised rules and regulations, slow down information service response time, hinder prompt decision making, creates rigidity towards positive change in information service delivery, hence, hinder innovation and creativity in information service delivery as well as obstruct smooth information service delivery to users. Based on the findings, conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made in line with the fact that, barriers instituted by bureaucracy be relaxed for effective communication of laudable innovative ideas as well as allow for team based informal structure within the formal hierarchical structure with a focus on users’ satisfaction.