About the AuthorA study was made in 1989 to identify factors that influenced the students in Imo State University library school to select a library career. Students in second, third, and fourth year of study were polled (Imo State has a four–year bachelor’s degree program in library and information science); 111 questionnaires were distributed, all were returned, and 108 were considered usable for analysis. Seventy–one of the respondents were male, and 37 were female.
One of the questions regarded the source of funding for university fees. The replies made it clear that librarianship had not been chosen because of scholarships available in the field, for most of the students were paying their own way (through parental assistance). Only two were beneficiaries of scholarships.
But it does not seem that librarianship was a typical first choice for these students. Indeed 80% indicated that they had initially elected other professions, especially law. Unsuccessful attempts to gain university places in their first choice professions led students into library school. It was also discovered that half of the students came into library studies on "supplementary admission," meaning that they had failed to be admitted in the disciplines originally sought.
The principal reason that librarianship has become an attractive second choice is related to admission standards. To enter library school a student must have credits in four subjects, which may all be in the arts and social sciences. Mathematics, viewed by many students as a frightening subject, is not required for admission.
Nonetheless, more positive factors were reported by a number of students. "Job opportunity" and "love of reading" were each noted by 21 students among their reasons for selecting librarianship. And three persons said they had been influenced by librarians in their families.
Since most of the students are in a second–choice career program, it is not surprising that they have in mind a career change at some appropriate time. Fifty percent of the third–year group and 55% of the fourth–year group admitted that they would be seeking an alternative to library work. One student wrote "I see librarianship as a basic qualification that will enable me to go into business."
The results of this study suggest that if dedicated students are to be brought into library school, the admission requirements ought to be raised, so that librarianship does not appear to be the easy alternative to other disciplines. It is also desirable to select most of each class from candidates who are making their first university application (those selecting library studies as a first choice). Undoubtedly a reduction in student intake will follow if requirements are more stringent, but the prognosis for library employment in the country is poor, while library graduates are increasing steadily. A better national picture should emerge with fewer but more committed professionals entering the library market.
Joan Agumanu is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Library Science at the Imo State University, Okigwe, Nigeria. Her degrees are from Columbia University and the University of Pittsburgh. She has published in the Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, Serials Librarian, and Public Library Quarterly. Her research interests are in the area of international and comparative librarianship.
© 1990 Joan Agumanu