Abstract
University libraries play a vital role in enhancing academic success, learning, research, and
community engagement, hence, their effectiveness is crucial in meeting the diverse needs of its
users by providing access to information resources and services. Extant studies revealed that
libraries in public universities have not been effective as expected. This problem is manifested
in a notable drop in the utilization of university libraries‟ services. A crucial factor that may
significantly impact on success in the libraries is commitment of personnel. Studies have been
carried out on commitment of personnel and effectiveness independently. However, there was
insufficient empirical studies on the subjects hence this study investigated commitment of
personnel and its influence on effectiveness of libraries of public universities in South-West,
Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The population consisted 482
librarians from 15 libraries in public universities in South-West, Nigeria. Total enumeration was
used. A structured and validated questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents.
Cronbach‟s alpha reliability coefficients for the constructs ranged from 0.89 to 0.94. A response
rate of 81 percent was achieved. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential (multiple
regression) statistics at 5% significant level. Findings showed that personnel commitment had
significant influence on the effectiveness of libraries in the public universities (Adj.R2 = 0.63,
F(2, 407) = 241.64, p < 0.05). It was recommended that public universities should devise a
strategic plan involving capacity building that would improve personnel commitment to enhance
success of university libraries in public universities in South-West, Nigeria.
Keywords: Effectiveness of university libraries, personnel commitment, affective
commitment, Library finance, University Libraries
Publication Date: 2025-08-03