This study investigated the emotional intelligence as a predictor of attitude to work and staff performance in polytechnic libraries in south-east, Nigeria. It adopted the survey research design using census method as sampling techniques to ensuring that every staff in polytechnic libraries in south-east, Nigeria was captured. Self-constructed and validated questionnaire was used to collect data for this study. The findings show that emotional motivation predict attitude to work and staff performance in polytechnic libraries in south-east, Nigeria and emotional self-awareness significantly predict attitude to work and staff performance in polytechnic libraries in south-east, Nigeria. This study recommended that polytechnic libraries should create more awareness about the importance of self-awareness to their library staff. This can be achieved through effective training of the library staff on the competencies of self-awareness; library staff should be trained to be emotionally aware. When library staff are aware of their emotions, they perform well on their job and polytechnic Libraries should adopt motivational tools for library staff so as to enabling them discharge their duties effectiveness.