Library management in an era of disruption: Assessing skills and knowledge of future academic librarians in Nigeria

Abstract

This study explores the awareness, skills, knowledge, preparedness, and barriers faced by future academic librarians in Nigeria in managing libraries amidst disruptive trends. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, targeting entry-level librarians across Nigerian universities. Using stratified random sampling, data were collected from 158 respondents via a structured questionnaire. The results reveal moderate awareness of disruptive trends, such as artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and open access publishing, among future librarians. However, significant gaps were identified in technical skills like data analytics, digital literacy, and AI tool usage. The study also found inadequate knowledge of strategies for navigating disruptions and a lack of preparedness to adopt innovative practices, with low confidence in managing electronic resources and leading technological projects. This study recommends, among others, that university librarians should organize regular workshops and seminars to deepen librarians’ understanding of emerging technologies and their implications for library management. Incorporating hands-on sessions with practical demonstrations will ensure a better grasp of disruptive trends, and heads of library schools should revise their curricula to include modules on digital literacy, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and information ethics.