Determinants of Research Productivity Among Library and Information Science Academics in North Central Nigeria

This study investigated the determinants of research productivity among Library and Information Science academics in universities in North Central Nigeria, covering Benue, Kogi, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Kwara States and the Federal Capital Territory. Research productivity is a key indicator of academic performance and institutional standing, yet it is influenced by a complex interplay of individual, institutional, and environmental factors. A descriptive-correlational design was adopted, and data were obtained from 95 academic staff through a structured questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify the strongest predictors of productivity measured by publication output in the preceding five years. Findings revealed that access to research funding, availability of electronic research databases, institutional support for conference attendance, and career stage were the most significant determinants. Gender and rank were found to moderate the effect of institutional support on productivity. The study recommended that universities increase research grant allocations for Library and Information Science academics, subscribe to relevant databases, and develop mentorship programmes linking junior academics to senior research-active staff. Keywords: research productivity, LIS academics, North Central Nigeria, determinants, university research.