Abstract
The study examined work environment and self-efficacy as correlates of work performance of library personnel in private universities in South-west, Nigeria. Improving employees’ performance is one of the main elements for institutions to achieve goals. Most libraries' observation and workplace practices have shown a decline in quality service delivery due to low performance. In resolving these issues, several factors have been found to account for job performance without much reference to work environment and self-efficacy; where study exists is still unclear if these factors could determine job performance in a library context. In recognition of this gap, the study investigates work environment and self-efficacy as correlates of the work performance of library personnel. A descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The total number of library personnel in the thirty-one private universities in South-west, Nigeria was two hindered and twenty-six, out of which one hundred and forty-two constitute the sample size used for the study. A total enumeration was adopted in the study. A questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts, simple percentages, and inferential statistics of Pearson's product-moment correlation and linear regression using the Software Package for Service Solution (SPSS) tested at 0.05 level of significance. The finding showed that the work performance of library personnel was high (X? = 3.45). The nature of the work environment in private universities in South-west, Nigeria was conducive to (X? = 3.04). The level of self-efficacy was high (X? = 3.22). There was significant relative contribution of work environment (Beta = .233, t= 3.898, P<0.05) and self-efficacy (Beta = .605, t= 7.460, P<0.05) on work performance. There was a significant positive correlation between: information work environment and work performance (r = 0.382**; P<0.05); self-efficacy and work performance (r = 0.570**; p <0.05).The study concluded that work environment and self-efficacy are key factors influencing work performance by library personnel in private universities libraries in South-west, Nigeria. Therefore, this study recommended that the university library management deploy means to further enhance work performance by providing decent conditions of service such as good salary, regular promotion, and increment, sponsoring, training, and career opportunities.