STAFF DEVELOPMENT POLICY AS CORRELATE OF LIBRARIANS EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY IN RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

This study examines the relationship between staff development policy and the effectiveness of service delivery by librarians in Rivers State University (RSU) libraries. As the digital landscape transforms information management, the proficiency of library personnel remains a critical determinant of institutional quality. The research adopted a correlational survey design, targeting the population of professional and para-professional librarians within the university’s library system. Data collection was conducted using a structured questionnaire titled "Staff Development Policy and Service Delivery Questionnaire" (SPDSDQ). The study focused on key development indicators, including training programs, workshop participation, and academic advancement opportunities, evaluating their direct impact on service metrics such as user satisfaction, information retrieval speed, and digital resource management. Findings indicate a significant positive correlation between well-implemented staff development policies and the efficiency of service delivery. Regular training sessions were found to enhance the technical competencies of librarians, enabling them to meet the evolving needs of the academic community. However, challenges such as inadequate funding and limited access to international professional platforms were identified as barriers to policy effectiveness. Based on these results, the study recommends that the management of Rivers State University prioritize consistent budgetary allocations for staff training and integrate modern ICT-driven development programs to ensure the library remains a hub of academic excellence.