Use of Social Intelligence for Enhanced Service Delivery by Librarians in University Libraries in Delta State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study examines the Use of social intelligence by librarians as tool for improving academic library services in university libraries in Delta State. A sample of 90 librarians participated in the study. The research instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire. Major finding of the study revealed librarians from university libraries provided numerous library services in order to meet the information needs of the library users. Some of the library services offered includes; reference services, circulation services, internet services, inter-library loan services, current awareness services among others. It was also revealed that librarians in university libraries adopt different social intelligence skills in order to deal with issues pertaining to the needs of library users. Some of the social skills include ability to develop interpersonal relationship / communication / engagement, showing empathy and openness, listening/showing interest, ability to identify and fulfill information needs and it was also revealed they librarians used social intelligence to high extent to satisfy library users. The study concluded that social intelligence not only supports librarians in addressing challenges but also strengthens their role as facilitators of learning and information access.