PROFESSIONAL SELF-ESTEEM AND JOB SATISFACTION AS COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE FOR PROFESSIONAL LIBRARIANS IN PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN KWARA STATE

Abstract

Job satisfaction stands as a hallmark among labour professionals, affected by diverse factors, including an individual's self-esteem. This study delves into the correlation between professional self-esteem and job contentment, considering them as competitive edges for professional librarians in private universities. Employing qualitative research methods, the study aimed to gain deeper insights into pivotal themes, reinforcing the theoretical framework within scholarly communication. Through purposive sampling, nine professional librarians from private university libraries in Kwara state—Al-Hikman University, Thomas Adewumi University, Summit University Offa, Crown Hill University, and Landmark University, Omu Aran—participated in semi-structured interviews, with seven agreeing to partake and contribute. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed that a majority of participants highlighted a high level of job satisfaction within this cohort. Additionally, many emphasised the significant impact of self-esteem on the job satisfaction of librarians in these settings. To support librarians' well-being, the study recommends providing ongoing encouragement and training to sustain and enhance their self-esteem