Abstract
The study examined librarians' emotional intelligence, cognitive ability and work
performance in colleges of education in South-South Nigeria. Five research questions, and
three hypotheses guided the study. The review of related literature was aligned with the
study's objectives. A correlational research design was adopted, using a population of 82
librarians across 12 Colleges of Education in the region. The entire population was used as
the sampling technique due to its small size. Data were collected using a structured
questionnaire. of the 82 copies of questionnaire distributed, 77 (94%) were returned. Data
were analysed using frequencies, mean x , standard deviation SD , Pearson's Product -
Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC), multiple regression, and t-test statistics. The
findings revealed that librarians demonstrated a high level of emotional intelligence x
4. 7 and cognitive ability x 3.95 , as well as a high extent of work performance x
4.01). Emotional intelligence had a very strong and positive relationship with work
performance (r = .723), as did cognitive ability (r = .806). Emotional intelligence and
cognitive ability each had a significant positive impact on librarians' performance (p =
.000). The study concluded that emotional intelligence and cognitive ability are key drivers
of work performance among librarians. The study recommends targeted training to
strengthen emotional intelligence. It contributes to knowledge by establishing a strong,
positive correlation between emotional intelligence and librarians' work performance in
Colleges of Education in South-South Nigeria.
Keywords: Co gnit ive Abili ty, Colle ge s of Educat ion, Emo tional I ntell igence,
Librari a ns ', Work Performance
Publication Date: 2026-05-03