Vol. 14(3), pp. 144- -150 April, 2026. 

ISSN: 2360-7858

https://doi.org/10.14662/ijalis2026220

 

Full Length Research

 

Abstract

Career development remains a critical factor in sustaining professional relevance and effectiveness in librarianship. This paper presents a conceptual review of career development in librarianship in Nigeria, examining the historical evolution of library and information science (LIS) education, professional entry requirements, and the major challenges affecting career development. The key issues identified include discriminatory professional registration practices, inconsistencies in departmental nomenclature and institutional placement, disparities in curriculum across LIS schools, inadequate funding of LIS programmes, gaps between theory and practice, and insufficient ICT competencies among LIS educators. These challenges continue to undermine professional recognition, job satisfaction, and career advancement within the Nigerian LIS sector. Drawing on relevant literature and professional discourse, the paper proposes strategic interventions such as curriculum harmonisation, inclusive professional regulation, enhanced practical training, improved funding mechanisms, and strengthened ICT capacity development. The paper concludes that addressing these systemic challenges is essential for promoting sustainable career development and repositioning the LIS profession within Nigeria’s evolving knowledge society.

 

Keywords: Career development; Library and Information Science; professional challenges; LIS education; Nigeria..

 

	Cite This Article As: : Ola, OS., Adeyeye, SV (2026). Career Development in Librarianship in Nigeria: A Conceptual Review of Issues and Challenges. Inter. J. Acad. Lib. Info. Sci. 14(3): 144-150