ASSESSMENT ON HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE COMMUNITY LIBRARY CONTEXT: THE CASE OF CODE-ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This research attempts to assess the practices and challenges of human resources management in libraries context on the selected CODE-Ethiopia Community Libraries using questionnaires collected from sixteen selected community libraries, Interview guide questions and secondary data from the CE monitoring and evaluation reports. The finding reveals moderate performance of HRM practice implemented on the selected Community Libraries. However, promotion, performance appraisal and reward system are not performed well as there are some indications from the findings. Moreover, to some extent the current wage structure and poor reward system hinders sectors effort to attract the best candidates. Similarly, selection is often distorted by interference. The study also depicts the need for additional training, as the performance in some sectors level is not satisfactory. Besides, in some instance lack of equal opportunity on recruitment and selection procedure and lack of access to HR related training and need assessment is also improper. The visit report also shows that there is a need to make the working environment more conducive. Likewise, in some sectors the uniform salary scale the country follows does not attract various professionals and hence not fully improve service delivery. Finally, the support of the Regional/Zonal Education Bureau to the sector is minimal. Despite the above stated problems in the region, there is a tangible support by CODE-Ethiopia in-terms of provision of different books, short term trainings for both the librarian and managers/Management Committee members and close follow-up made a great impact to create the reading habit in the community. Moreover, conducting training, creating strong link between performance and reward system, making the performance assessment system more open and carrying out continuous follow up should make the HRM practices more suitable to contribute its share for the sustainability of literate environment.