Assessing the work-life balance of female personnel in university libraries in selected states in Southwestern Nigeria

Work-life balance is a key factor to personnel’s commitment, and performance in the library; however, striking a balance between work and personal obligations remains a major challenge for women in librarianship. This study examined the work-life balance of female personnel in university libraries of two States (Ondo and Oyo States, Nigeria). A descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The study’s population comprises one hundred and thirty-eight (138) female librarians and library officers working in public university libraries in Ondo and Oyo states, Nigeria. The two states were selected based on proximity to researchers. The enumeration sampling technique was used for the study. Clak’s Work/Family Border Theory was adopted. A structured questionnaire in Google Forms was used to elicit responses from the participants. Out of 138 questionnaires distributed, 127 were retrieved and deemed useful. The collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that major challenges faced by female library personnel in managing work-life balance include engagement in educational research, which affects their ability to focus on family obligations, a lack of flexibility in their work schedules and job responsibilities often crossing personal life. The findings also revealed that strategies for improving the worklife balance of female library personnel include flexible work schedules, additional staff to reduce workload, the application of border management policies, and the acquisition of labour-saving devices for the home. This study concluded that work-life balance for female library personnel is crucial as it influences their productivity and decisions to either leave or continue with their job in an institution. Based on the findings, study recommends that library management needs to be cognisant of the female library personnel’s work-life balance and provide solutions to enable them to manage their personal and work lives