This study examined the career patterns as determinants of career development among female
librarians in federal universities in South-west, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey
design. The population comprised 63 female librarians in seven universities in South-west,
Nigeria. Total enumeration method was used to sample all female librarians and self-designed
questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive statistic. The
result on career development of female librarians showed that, majority of the respondents
agreed that they engage in networking activities (𝑥̅=3.03; std dev. = 0.71); pursuit of
professional development (𝑥̅=3.00; std dev. = 0.78); seeking mentorship or guidance (𝑥̅=2.92; std dev. = 0.80); and satisfaction with the level of recognition, among others. The career patterns of female librarians revealed that they were given equal opportunities for career progression as their male counterparts (𝑥̅=3.10; std dev. = 0.83); adequate support for research and publication activities (𝑥̅=3.06; std; dev. = 0.78) and well-defined and achievable promotion criteria (𝑥̅=2.94; std; dev. = 0.85). Institutional support and career patterns have a significant impact on the career development of female librarians in federal universities in the southwest of Nigeria is significant. Therefore, female librarians in South-west, Nigeria engage in more networking, pursuing professional development and seeking mentorship as well as to always yearning for satisfaction and recognition in their profession. The study made the following recommendations: library management should promote career paths that ensure leadership roles are given to female librarians. Also, there should be clear and transparent promotion criteria for women’s career development, and policies should be developed for promotion.