April 2014 Vol. 2 No.4

Search Pubmed for articles by:
 

Onoyeyan G
Bamidele IA

Other links:
PubMed Citation
Related articles in PubMed

Original Research Article

Assessment of ethical concerns among practicing librarians in Nigeria

Glory Onoyeyan*¹, Lawrence Ajayi², Odunola Adesina³ and Itunu A. Bamidele⁴

¹Acting Law Librarian, Babcock University Library
²Librarian I, Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti
³Cataloguer, Babcock University Library
⁴Readers’ Services Librarian, Babcock University Library

*Corresponding Author's E-mail: gloryonoye@yahoo.com

Accepted April 22, 2014

Abstract

This study assessed ethical concerns faced by practicing librarians in federal, state and private universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Questionnaire was the tool used for data collection. The study population consisted of the 50 professional librarians from Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB), Abeokuta, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye and Babcock Unviersity, Ilishan-Remo. The respondents consisted a total of the 50 practicing librarians from the three selected universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 50 questionnaires were administered on all the respondents and 44 questionnaires were retrieved and analyzed given a response rate of 88%. A descriptive statistical method was used to analyze the data displayed in tables and percentages. Findings from the study shows that intellectual property rights issues are the highest ethical issue confronting librarians. The study also shows that abusing confidential information and using official position for personal advantage are perceived as high unethical behaviour among librarians. The study also reveals that a majority of librarians do not have a copy of the Librarians’ Registration Council of Nigeria Code of Ethics. Based on the findings, recommendations were proffered.

Keywords: Professional ethics, Librarians, Ethical dilemma, Code of ethics, Ogun State, Nigeria