LIBRARYAND INFORMATION SCIENCE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION CENTRES IN BENUE STATE

ABSTRACT The study investigated Library and Information Science education and manpower development for library and information centres in Benue State. Six (6) objectives and research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey design with a population of two hundred and thirty-five (235) staff of university libraries in Benue State. A sample size of 100 respondents were considered using proportionate sampling technique. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. Descriptive statistics of frequency counts, and mean were used to analyse data in line with research questions. Finding revealed that there is shortage of qualified LIS educators in institutions offering LIS programmes in the state and the curriculum emphasises both traditional and modern information management skills, while the current LIS curriculum used in Benue State is not up-to-date with the latest global trends in librarianship. Also, finding revealed that there are staff with expertise to streamline printing and publishing for libraries and information centres. While there are no enough cataloguers and classifiers, reference librarians, data analysts, systems librarians, acquisitions librarians, indexers and abstractors, preservation and conservation specialists. Similarly, finding revealed the quality of manpower in library and information centres in Benue State to include; most staff possess the necessary qualifications for their roles in the libraries and information centres, staff in libraries and information centres have hands-on practical skills. On the influence of LIS education on manpower development in library and information centres, finding revealed that, LIS education is a major factor contributing to manpower development in libraries, LIS education creates workforce for libraries and information centres with the actual skills needed in the job market among others. More so, finding revealed the influence of Library and Information Science education on manpower development in library and information centres in Benue State. These include: LIS education is a major factor contributing to manpower development in libraries, LIS education creates workforce for libraries and information centres with the actual skills needed in the job market. Some of challenges faced in the development of Library and Information Science professionals include limited access to continuous training opportunities affects the development of library staff, lack of digital skills is a significant barrier to professional growth in the library sector among others. The study concluded among others, that while there are areas of strength, such as the availability of staff skilled in printing and publishing, there exists a notable deficiency in specialized roles. The imbalance in manpower distribution underscores the necessity to address gaps in critical areas like cataloguing, reference services, data analysis and systems management. It was recommended that heads of LIS schools should collaborate and revise the LIS curriculum to align with current global trends; Investment in the professional development of LIS educators through specialized training programmes and partnerships with leading institutions to address the shortage of qualified instructors among others.