Mentorship Roles of Academic Librarians in Enhancing Research Competence and Innovation Among Early-Career Library Professionals in Selected Federal, State, and Private Universities in Osun State, Nigeria
Adewale Titus Elewode, Moyosade Omolade Oguntuase, Oluwatoyin Vivian Akinwola, Agbeniga Gabriel Emmanuel, Omolola Aminat Adisa
https://analista.in/10.71182/aijmr.2606.0401.1001
Abstract
This study examined the mentorship roles of academic librarians in enhancing research competence and
innovation among early-career library professionals in selected federal, state, and private universities in
Osun State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population of the study comprised
154 academic librarians and early-career library professionals. Total enumeration was adopted, and a
questionnaire was used as the main instrument for data collection and 154 self-structured questionnaire was
designed and administered, and 147 (95.45%) were received and used as the basis for analysing data. Total
enumeration was used to include all 147 academic librarians and early-career library professionals across
six selected universities. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive
statistics of frequency, mean, and standard deviation. Findings revealed that academic librarians perform
various mentorship roles such as career guidance, technical skill development, professional networking, and
emotional support. The study further showed that the level of research competence among early-career
library professionals is moderate. While respondents demonstrated strengths in data collection, analysis, and
dissemination of research findings, weaknesses were observed in literature review, use of digital research
tools, and methodological skills. However, several challenges affecting effective mentorship were identified,
including heavy workload, inadequate institutional support, lack of mentorship training, limited resources,
and communication gaps. The study concludes that mentorship plays a critical role in improving research
competence and fostering innovation among early-career library professionals, but its effectiveness is
constrained by institutional and structural challenges. It recommends the development of structured
mentorship programmes, improved institutional support, and regular capacity-building initiatives in
academic libraries.
Keywords: Mentorship,
Research,
Competence,
Innovation,
Academic,
Librarians,
Early Career,
Professionals