Management Control System In University Libraries : Challenges and Remedies

Abstract

Management control system is an essential process by which all members of the organisation work as team to achieve a better output and improved service delivery. Despite the importance of management control system, university libraries in South East, Nigeria seem to have issues with its application. This study investigated management control system, issues and prospects in university libraries. The main purpose of this study was to assess the management control system and challenges associated with its application in university libraries in South East, Nigeria. The research design adopted was descriptive survey design. The population of the study was 163 librarians in federal and state university libraries in South-East, Nigeria, and was all used without sampling as the number was considered manageable. The instrument used in gathering data for the study is questionnaire which was analysed using mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that university libraries employed performance appraisal system, duties rotation system, controlled activities system and regulation of staff attendance. Result also showed that management control system contributes to effective job performance by enabling employees to understand their job expectations and encourages librarians' attitude to work. Challenges associated with utilising management control system include lack of adequate staff development, training and effective communication. Strategies for enhancing management control system in university libraries include adequate financial support to libraries to enable them acquire necessary facilities in order to achieve effective management control system, frequent training and development programme. The researcher recommended that federal and state governments should make funds available to university libraries to enable them adopt effective management control system and procure facilities and resources to enhance job performance.