Abstract
This study investigated research skills as predictors of research productivity among librarians in university libraries in Nigeria. Research productivity has become a critical factor in determining the academic relevance and career advancement of librarians who hold faculty status. The primary objective of the study was to ascertain the extent to which research skills serve as predictor of librarian research productivity. A correlational research design was adopted for this study. The study population comprised 832 librarians in university libraries across Nigeria, from which a sample of 249 librarians were selected using stratified random sampling technique to ensure fair representation across various institutional types. Data collection was conducted using a structured questionnaire, while data analysis involved the use of statistical means, standard deviations and inferential statistics (Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC analysis). The findings of the study revealed that librarians exhibited low levels of research skills, (2.08 & 2.61) both of which are fundamental to scholarly output. The study further revealed a low level of research productivity among the librarians. (2.72) However, further analysis showed very strong positive correlations between the independent variable----research skills, (0.995)—and the dependent variable, research productivity. Furthermore, a strong combined effect of these variables on research productivity was also established. Based on these findings, the study concludes that enhancing librarians' research skills will significantly improve their research output. It is recommended that university libraries and parent institutions organize frequent training workshops and seminars aimed at strengthening librarians' research capacities.
Keywords: Research Skills, Predictor, Librarians, Research Productivity, University Libraries.
Publication Date: 2026-05-03