Conflict management in Nigerian university libraries

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to investigate pattern of conflict management in Nigerian university libraries Design/methodology/approach - A survey employing descriptive design and using questionnaire to collect data from paraprofessional and professional staff of three Nigerian university libraries. Findings - This article reveals the personal characteristics of the respondents; majority of respondents perceive conflict as positive and can be stimulated by library managers; a majority of them have experienced conflict with their colleagues followed by those who experienced it with their boss(es); interpersonal conflict ranks highest in the type of conflict experienced in the libraries; organisational goal(s) is a major fact taken into consideration during conflict resolution while accommodation ranks highest as technique of conflict avoidance; it is concluded that library managers should deal with conflicts as soon as they arise. Originality/value - This paper generated important findings which are capable of enabling library managers and staff in understanding conflict and how it can be managed.