Impact of Automation on Library Staff Job Performance in State Universities in North West Nigeria

This study assessed the impact of library automation on the job performance of library staff in state universities in North West Nigeria, covering institutions in Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Jigawa States. Library automation, through the deployment of integrated library systems, is expected to improve efficiency, reduce manual workload, and free staff for higher-level professional tasks. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were gathered from 110 professional and paraprofessional library staff through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The study found that automation had improved circulation speed, catalogue management, and acquisition tracking in most of the surveyed libraries. However, some staff reported negative experiences, including fear of job displacement, inadequate training, and resistance to abandoning familiar manual workflows. The study recommended that library management invest in comprehensive automation training, communicate clearly about how automation supports rather than replaces professional roles, and ensure staff input in system selection and implementation. Keywords: library automation, job performance, library staff, state universities, North West Nigeria.