One of the most important factors that contribute to the realisation of these objectives is human resources. Their
management is based on behavioural science and management principles. But in practice the library manager
is often confronted with unique situations with which she/he has to deal. Some situations are different in simple
and recognisable ways, while others are different in complex ways that are difficult to understand and interpret,
and even more difficult to manage. It was this bewildering dilemma that prompted the author to undertake this
investigation. Why are universally acknowledged personnel management principles hard to apply to staff in a
rural environment? What accounts for the difference between their attitudes and those of staff in urban areas?
How can the balance be redressed? These are some of the questions which this study seeks to answer.
Edo State University, Ekpoma and Delta State University, Abraka, provided the data and institutional setting.