THE DETERMINANT OF TASK SHIFTING AMONG LIBRARIANS IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

BY

UBI, GINA IWARA

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Dr. ADIE, ROSE UNWANUNG

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ORCID ID: https:/orcid.org/0009-0000-0530-6488

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AMOS, KATE JONAH

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BESHEL IGNATIUS AKWAGIOBE

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Dr. EMMANUEL KING EKONG

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ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2630-7504

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Dr. EKEREKE, AIDAM BENJAMIN

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Dr. ANELE, EZEBUNWO

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ORCID ID: https:/orcid.org/0009-0005-0416-3709

Department of Educational Psychology,

Faculty of Educational Foundation Studies,

University of Calabar, Calabar

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the determinants of task shifting amongst librarians in Cross River State, Nigeria. In particular, examine the extent to which librarians’ perceived professional competencies and information and communication technologies (ICTs) competencies can predict task shifting amongst librarians in Cross River State. This research was guided by survey design. The population for the consisted of 736 librarians within public and private libraries in Cross River State. A sample of 259 librarians was selected using the Taro Yamane sample-size formula with a 0.05 level of precision. Stratified random sampling techniques were employed in sampling the respondents questionnaire developed by researchers with the title "Determinants of Task Shifting among Librarians Questionnaire" (DTSLQ) was used as the instrument for data collection. The questionnaire was face and content valid as assessed by some specialists in Library and Information Science and in Measurement and Evaluation. A Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient was obtained which were 0.83, 0.85 and 0.87 for the professional competencies, ICT skills, and task shifting subscale respectively.  Data analysis was carried out using simple linear regression at alpha = 0.05. It was discovered that librarian’s professional competency has a significant positive influence on task shifting and explained 57.2% of its variation. Librarian’s ICT skills on the other hand, a significant predictor of task shifting in the State and it explains 30.2% of task shifting variability.  Conclusion: The findings showed that professional competencies and skills in ICTs contribute to the efficiency of librarians in carrying out of expanded roles and new tasks. The study therefore recommended, the provision of modern and relevant digital information infrastructure, Librarians’ ability to undertake professional certification on other courses as well as, capacity building on ICT related courses.

Keywords: ICT Skills; Librarians; Professional Competence and Task Shifting. Download PDF