Abstract
This study examined leadership competencies and service delivery among reference librarians in universities in Southern Nigeria. The study adopted a correlational research design. The population comprised of 209 reference librarians in federal, state, and private universities in Southern Nigeria. A total enumeration sampling technique was adopted because the population was manageable. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Reference Librarians' Leadership Competencies and Service Delivery Questionnaire (RLLCSDQ). Data were analysed using mean, standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and linear regression. Findings revealed that reference librarians possessed leadership competencies to a great extent (x̄ = 4.23) and demonstrated a high level of service delivery (x̄ = 4.08). The study further established a significant positive relationship between leadership competencies and service delivery (r = .549, p < .05). Leadership competencies significantly influenced service delivery, accounting for 30.1% of the variance in service delivery (R² = .301, β = .549, p < .05). The study concluded that leadership competencies are critical determinants of effective service delivery among reference librarians in university libraries. The study recommended regular leadership development programmes active participation in professional development activities and strengthened leadership capacity building initiatives by professional associations.
Keywords: Leadership competencies, service delivery, reference librarians, university libraries, Southern Nigeria.
Publication Date: 2026-07-31