Workload as Correlate of Publication Output of Academic Librarians in Universities

Abstract

The concern about librarians' workload is considered crucial because of its relative effect on their publication output which has a consequent implication for their professional progress and career advancement. This study investigates workload as correlates of publication output of academic librarians in universities. The study adopted a descriptive research design taking a total enumeration of 107 academic librarians in private and government-owned universities in Ogun State. Findings from the study revealed that academic librarians' publication output was fairly high in terms of journal articles, but low in terms of textbooks, chapters in books, co-authored books, monographs and conference proceedings. Findings also show that their research publications were relevant to their career progress. Of the several sources of workload issues of academic librarians, inadequate staffing ranked highest as reported in the study. It also revealed that academic librarians experience heavy workload and that the workload they experience impacts their publication output negatively. The study concluded by recommending among others that, the University management should employ more staff to relieve academic librarians of their heavy workloads so as to give them ample time for conducting research thereby enhancing their publication output, professional progress and career advancement.