Research article · 2026
EMPOWERING ACADEMIC LIBRARIANS IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES FOR FUTURE NAVIGATION
Abstract
Purpose: This study examines strategies for empowering academic librarians in Nigerian universities to effectively navigate rapidly evolving technological and information environments. Specifically, it identifies the competencies required by academic librarians, examines available empowerment initiatives, assesses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies in shaping librarians’ future roles, and investigates challenges that constrain their professional empowerment.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised 860 academic librarians in university libraries across the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, from which a sample of 86 librarians was selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using as self structured questionnaire. The instrument was face-validated by experts and recorded a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.80. Data were analyzed using mean scores and standard deviations, with a decision benchmark of 2.50.
Findings: The findings indicate that AI proficiency, digital literacy, research support and scholarly communication skills, communication abilities, and adaptability are essential competencies for future navigation, with a cluster mean of 2.90. Continuous professional development programmes, workshops, seminars, and access to digital tools were identified as available empowerment initiatives, although mentorship and institutional support were comparatively weaker (cluster mean = 2.81). AI and digital technologies were found to enhance access to information, research support, operational efficiency, and user engagement (cluster mean = 2.86). However, inadequate funding, poor ICT infrastructure, low participation in professional development programmes, technophobia, and weak institutional support were identified as major barriers to effective empowerment (cluster mean = 2.83).
Implications: The findings imply that Nigerian universities need to make sustained investments in librarians’ professional development, AI and digital competencies, ICT infrastructure, mentorship, and institutional support. Strengthening these areas will enhance librarians’ capacity to provide innovative research, teaching, learning, and information services and improve their readiness for emerging technological demands.
Originality/Value: The study contributes empirical evidence on the empowerment of academic librarians for future navigation within the Nigerian university context. Its value lies in linking professional competencies, empowerment initiatives, emerging technologies, and institutional barriers into an integrated framework for strengthening librarians’ preparedness for rapidly changing academic and information environments.
Keywords: Academic librarians; Empowerment; Artificial intelligence; Digital literacy; Professional development; Future navigation.
Paper type: Research paper.
Keywords
Academic librarians; Empowerment; Artificial intelligence; Digital literacy; Professional development; Future navigation. Paper type: Research paper.
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