STAFF MOTIVATION AS A CORRELATE OF JOB PERFORMANCE IN SELECTED UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates staff motivation as a correlate for job performance in selected university libraries in Benue State, Nigeria. The study adopted correlational survey design, which enabled the collection of quantitative data to establish statistical relationships between HRM variables and staff performance. The population of the study comprised 224 library staff across three universities: one federal, state, and private university. A sample of 143 respondents was selected through random sampling using the Yaro Yamane formula. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire (HRMJPQ) validated by experts and tested for reliability, yielding a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.869. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 0.05 significance level were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that capacity-building programmes exhibited a high positive correlation (r = 0.712), and staff motivation demonstrated a strong positive correlation (r = 0.731). The study concluded that, continuous capacity building and enhanced staff motivation significantly improves library personnel performance. Recommendations included strengthening investing in continuous professional development, enhancing motivational strategies in university libraries.