Ajidahun Part 2:Literature Review
The Benefits of Training
Some relevant literature was reviewed for this research, This review covers the benefits of training for librarians, types of training, nature of training and the training process. First, however, we will begin with a review of the significance of the education of library manpower. According to Chandan (2000), training is "a short term process utilizing a systematic and organized procedure by which non-managerial personnel learn technical knowledge and skills for a definite process." The weakness of this definition is that training is limited to the non–managerial personnel, whereas human resource development embraces both the managerial and non-managerial staff. All of them in librarianship and information systems need some kind of training and education in the new areas of their profession.
Training is an integral part of vocational or career development and it is fast becoming a global and pervasive phenomenon in any establishment, the absence of which spells doom for such an institution and the presence of which determines the success of any enterprise. Fielden (1987) noted this pervasiveness when he said that training is among the series of variables that serves as a checklist for buying software. Also, training has also been identified as one of the characteristics that make a software package worthy of purchase; others are cost, responsiveness of dealer, and support.
Obviously, the role that training can play in human resource development especially in libraries and information systems is inestimable and unquantifiable. It is a truism, of course, that training of staff enhances productivity. The library system in Nigeria cannot afford to allow its staff to degenerate in the acquisition of knowledge and the knowledge already acquired cannot be allowed to diminish because society cannot afford to jettison the roles of libraries and librarians in the socio-cultural and educational development of a nation. That is why Billings (1995) remarked that the library, librarians, and library education will all be needed tomorrow. He therefore called for the production of quality graduates and relevant and adequate programme services. Also, Ojiambo (1992) has attributed the lack of training in human resources to the low or non-existence of industrial and information technology development in the developing countries like Nigeria. Yesufu (2000) also agrees that training of personnel enhances productivity. According to him, "education and training are generally indicated as the most important direct means of upgrading the human intellect and skills for productive employment." Productivity, which is enhanced by training, is not only limited to the establishment; the librarians and other staff of the library can also become more productive.
Another advantage of staff training is that it improves job performance and therefore promotes management efficiency. Writing from a vendor's perspective, Hyman (1991) opines that without training, consumers may not be efficient in the use of computers. They may not therefore derive maximum benefits from their systems. Both Ojiambo (1992) and Stoner (2002) agree that training programmes should be directed towards improving efficiency and job performance. There is no doubt that staff trained in information technologies will be more efficient in the use of information and computer facilities than those who never had such training experience.
Other advantages of training include reduction in cost, reduced turnover, human resources reserve, faster decision, continuity of effort, improvement in employee morale, availability for future personnel needs of the organization, improvement in health and safety, reduced supervision, personal growth and organizational stability (Silver, 1981; Chandan, 200073041;. The benefits of personnel development cannot therefore be easily over–emphasized.