Utilization of quantitative methods in decision making among Nigerian university librarians
| Published date | 01 February 1997 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435129710157743 |
| Date | 01 February 1997 |
| Pages | 53-58 |
| Author | U. Selong Edem,Olu Olat Lawal |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
Introduction
Quantitative method is a system of subjecting
data or information to empirical analysis to
assist a librarian, manager or researcher in
reaching a decision. The job of a university
librarian covers many complex, diverse areas
and functions such as planning, organizing,
staffing, directing, co-ordinating, reporting
and budgeting. These functions can be
broken down into a series of complex prob-
lems requiring utilization of quantitative
methods in decision making. However, these
functional needs do not necessarilly imply
dependence on use of quantitative methods
for resolving managerial problems in universi-
ty libraries. Rather, the significance of adopt-
ing the process in alleviating problems has
been stressed in the literature. For instance,
Iverson (1985) postulates that utilizing quan-
titative method introduces an approach
through which a university librarian or man-
ager could systematically and logically con-
struct a methodology to resolve a complex set
of socio-economic and technological prob-
lems common to library development. These
have to be defined according to locality. Drott
(1989) asserts that quantitative methods
involve systematic evaluation of alternative
actions as a basis for choice between them.
Furthermore, Drott emphasizes that the
application of quantitative method involves
setting up models of the problems to be
analysed, selecting inputs to the models which
quantify the judgements of those responsible
for organizational decision and deriving the
model’s outputs from inputs.
Certain terminologies are synonymous
with the term quantitative method and these
include: operations research, decision theory,
or library statistics (research methods for
librarianship). These terminologies connote
the same thing and they refer to the simula-
tion models for quantifying data on circula-
tion, acquisition, reference, information
retrieval activities and personnel management
in library settings. Some of these models are
descriptive while some are predictive, pre-
scriptive or analytical in nature or a
53
Library Management
Volume 18 · Number 1 · 1997 · pp. 53–58
© MCB University Press · ISSN 0143-5124
Utilization of
quantitative methods
in decision making
among Nigerian univer-
sity librarians
U. Selong Edem and
Olu Olat Lawal
The authors
U. Selong Edemis a Senior Librarian at the University of
Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Olyu Olat Lawal is the Head of the Processing Division,
University of Calabar Library, Calabar, Nigeria.
Abstract
Presents survey data used to determine how university
librarians in Nigeria utilize quantitative methods in
decision making in diverse areas such as personnel
management, acquisition, storage and circulation of
information materials. A stratified random sampling
method was used to select 22 out of 35 university librari-
ans. The survey results indicate that four (18.19 per cent)
respondents have good knowledge of quantitative meth-
ods, i.e. its use and application in decision making; where-
as as high as 18 (81.81 per cent) are hardly aware of, and
have not used these statistical tools in decision making in
university libraries. The research study uncovers factors
that hinder the utilization of quantitative methods such as
lack of understanding of the subject; a traditionally held
view of librarianship as not requiring such statistical
analysis; inadequate time for its teaching and acquies-
cence; dislike for intellectualism in resolving library
problems and disproportionate views of top practitioners
on the concept of decision making. Submits that it would
augur well for library practice at a high level if university
libraries could use and apply quantitative methods in their
work situations. This could ideally be learned and perfect-
ed through special courses. workshops, management
seminars or formal academic programmes. Adequate
exposure of respondents through continuing education
would enhance proper utilization of quantitative methods
in decision making in university libraries thereby guaran-
teeing efficiency, effectiveness and quality library services
to library clientele, as well as enhancing the librarian’s
own standing and image amongst academic peers. The authors wish to thank the University of
Calabar Senate Research Grant Committee for
funding this study. Second, we sincerely thank the
university librarians sampled for finding time to fill
and return the questionnaires on time in spite of
their busy schedule of work.
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