Abstract:
This study investigated mentoring strategies in use for professional development of librarians in
federal Universities in North-Central Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted.
Population of the study was 107 professional librarians. Four research questions guided the study.
Instrument for data collection were: structured questionnaire and an interview schedule. Data obtained
were analyzed using mean ratings. Major findings include: informal mentoring strategy is the main
strategy in use for professional development of librarians in these universities, many benefits accrue
from mentoring, yet there are challenges affecting it. Suggested ways to combat these challenges were
given. The implication of the study is that if formal mentoring is not adopted and put in use,
professional development of librarians will not be met, research and publication will be hindered and
institutional rating may be affected.
Keyword: Mentoring, Strategy, Professional Development, Librarians
