Inaugural Issue: Advances in NJL

Management and Embedded Librarians -Faculty Collaboration in the AI Age: Insights from Nigerian Universities

Lucky Oghenetega URHIEWHU, Uche Mokobia

This study investigates the strategic role of university management in fostering collaboration between embedded librarians and faculty staff to enhance accreditation outcomes in Nigerian universities. With the growing emphasis on digital infrastructure and quality assurance, embedded librarianship—where librarians integrate directly into academic departments—has emerged as a vital approach to supporting teaching, research, and curriculum development. Despite its potential, integration remains limited due to institutional barriers, inadequate policy frameworks, and insufficient managerial support. Using an exploratory descriptive survey design, data were collected from 65 librarians across Nigerian universities through stratified random sampling, supported by faculty questionnaires and in-depth interviews with university management. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests, while qualitative responses were thematically examined. Findings reveal that Embedded Librarians significantly contribute to accreditation processes by preparing documentation, ensuring collection standards, and collaborating with faculty. Management support, particularly through resource allocation and structured interaction, was moderately perceived. However, significant challenges—including poor funding, lack of training, weak institutional policies, and regional gender disparities—continue to undermine collaboration. Communication is primarily through Whatsapp/Institutional Email, with limited use of online collaborative platforms, suggesting a gap in digital integration. The study concludes that while embedded librarianship holds promise for strengthening institutional accreditation, its success hinges on proactive managerial strategies, digital infrastructure investment, and continuous professional development. It recommends that universities implement policy reforms, promote gender equity, and enhance digital literacy to maximize the strategic contribution of librarians in quality assurance and accreditation success.