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EVALUATION OF ACQUISITION PRACTICES IN POLYTECHNIC
LIBRARIES IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA
CHINWENDU CHIZOBA DIOGU
PG/MLS/07/43374
DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA
SUPERVISOR: DR. (MRS.) C.N.EZEANI
MAY, 2011
EVALUATION OF ACQUISITION PRACTICES IN POLYTECHNIC
LIBRARIES IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA
BY
DIOGU CHINWENDU CHIZOBA
PG/MLS/07/43374
A PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF LIBRARY
AND INFORMATION SCIENCE (MLS)
DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA
SUPERVISOR: DR. (MRS) C.N. EZEANI
MAY, 2011
APPROVAL PAGE
This work has been approved for the Department of Library and Information
Science, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
------------------------------ ---------------------------------
Dr. (Mrs.) C.N. Ezeani Prof. (Mrs.) V.W.Dike
Supervisor Head of Department
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Internal Examiner External Examiner
-----------------------------------------
Prof. S.A. Ezeudu
Dean of Faculty
CERTIFICATION
Chinwendu.C. Diogu, a post graduate student in the Department of
Library and Information Science with Registration number
PG/MLS/07/43374 has satisfactorily completed research requirements for
the award of Masters Degree (MLS) in Library and information Science.
The work embodied in this thesis is original and has not been submitted in
part or in full for another degree of this or any other university.
-------------------------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------
Project Supervisor Signature Date
Dr. (Mrs.) C.N.Ezeani
--------------------------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
Student’s Name Signature Date
DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to GOD Almighty for his faithfulness, mercy and favour.
The researcher also dedicates this work to her beloved husband and children for their
love, care and understanding during the period of her post graduate programme.
ACKNOWLEGDEMENTS
Every academic work is a culmination of efforts of academics over the years. The
researcher is greatly indebted to the great men and women, some of whom I have referred
to their works in this research, who have contributed to human enlightenment, intellectual
progress and academic achievements in the area of the researcher’s field of study.
My thanks go to my supervisor Dr (Mrs.) C.N.Ezeani. Her encouragement, input
and critical appraisal were extremely helpful. The researcher is indebted to her Lecturers:
Dr. F.C. Ekere, Dr Ozioko, Dr. E.Omeje and Dr. V. Nwachukwu for their assistance,
corrections and suggestions towards the success of this work.
The researcher is very grateful to her Parents, Dr and Mrs. G.O.Diogu for their
love, support, encouragement and financial assisitance.They are one in a million.
Her special thanks goes to her colleagues in the office and management of Main
Library, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus for their permission given to me to carry
out this study.
The researcher is very much indebted to her husband for his love and financial
support in the cause of this work.
To God be the glory.
Diogu, Chinwendu. C.
Department of Library and Information Science
UNN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------i
Approval page----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ii
Certification------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------iii
Dedication--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------iv
Acknowledgement-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------v
Table of Contents------------------------------------------------------------------------------------vi
List of Tables---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------viii
Abstract-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ix
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study----------------------------------------------------------------------------1
Statement of the Problem--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Purpose of the Study------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
Research Question----------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
Significance of the Study--------------------------------------------------------------------------11
Scope of the Study----------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Conceptual Framework----------------------------------------------------------------------------13
Acquisition and Collection Development in Libraries-----------------------------------------13
Roles of gifts, donations and exchanges in collection development-------------------------20
Collection evaluations in libraries----------------------------------------------------------------22
Collection Evaluation methods-------------------------------------------------------------------27
Problems affecting acquisition and collection building in Academic libraries-------------30
Strategies for enhancing acquisition practices in Academic libraries-----------------------32
Review of empirical Studies----------------------------------------------------------------------33
Summary of reviewed literature------------------------------------------------------------------36
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODS
Research Design------------------------------------------------------------------------------------38
Area of Study----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------38
Population of Study---------------------------------------------------------------------------------38
Sample and Sampling Technique-----------------------------------------------------------------39
Instrument for data collection---------------------------------------------------------------------39
Validation of the Instrument----------------------------------------------------------------------40
Method of Data Collection------------------------------------------------------------------------41
Methods of Data Analysis-------------------------------------------------------------------------41
CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION OF DATA AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
Research Question One----------------------------------------------------------------------------44
Research Question Two---------------------------------------------------------------------------45
Research Question Three--------------------------------------------------------------------------46
Research Question Four---------------------------------------------------------------------------47
Research Question Five---------------------------------------------------------------------------47
Research Question six-----------------------------------------------------------------------------49
Summary of Findings------------------------------------------------------------------------------50
CHAPTER FIVE: DISSCUSSION, RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION
Discussion of findings-----------------------------------------------------------------------------52
Implications of Study------------------------------------------------------------------------------55
Recommendations----------------------------------------------------------------------------------56
Limitations of the Study---------------------------------------------------------------------------57
Suggestions for further Study---------------------------------------------------------------------57
Conclusion ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 58
REFERENCES------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 59
APPENDICES------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 65
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Adequacy of library collections--------------------------------------------------------44
Table 2: Methods of acquisition of information resources------------------------------------45
Table 3: Currency of library materials-----------------------------------------------------------46
Table 4: Availability of collection development policies-------------------------------------47
Table 5: Problems affecting collection building------------------------------------------------47
Table 6: Strategies for effective acquisition practices-----------------------------------------49
Abstract
This study evaluated the acquisition practices in Polytechnic Libraries in South Eastern
zone of Nigeria. Six research questions guided the study. An evaluative survey design
was adopted in carrying out the study. The total population for this study was three
hundred and thirty (330) lecturers and thirty seven librarians (37), but two hundred and
ninety eight (298) lecturers and all the librarians were sampled. The major instrument for
data collection was questionnaire. A total of three hundred and thirty (330) copies of
questionnaires were distributed to lecturers, 298 copies were returned, representing
90.3%. On the other hand, 37 copies of questionnaires were distributed to the librarians
and all were returned. Data was analyzed using frequency tables, simple percentages and
means scores. From the analysis, the findings revealed that the most adequate information
resources in the libraries under study are books (textbooks). The result also shows that
information materials are acquired mainly by gifts and purchase. The study revealed that
information materials such as books, journals, and reference materials are more current
than other information materials in the library and that collection development policy is
available but encompasses only the area of acquisition. Out dated materials, resistance to
change, worn out materials, inadequate professionals/Librarians, lack of cooperation from
parent organization, problem of storage facilities, lack of funds, lack of collection
development policy and duplication of titles are some of the major problems encountered
in developing library collections. Based on the research findings, it was recommended
that libraries should have a written collection development policy that will embrace
acquisition,selection,weeding,gifts and exchanges, there should be constant staff
training/orientation, librarians should consult with lecturers in order to get information on
the institutions curriculum thus acquiring materials that will suit the curriculum,
employment of qualified librarians, provision of space for Polytechnic libraries to enable
them have archives where they can deposit outdated materials. The study concluded that
adequate and efficient evaluation of acquisition practices and collection development in
Polytechnic and academic libraries at large would effectively support librarians, lecturers
and students research output.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of Study
An academic library is a library that is attached to an institution of learning, a
major function of which is research and the advancement of knowledge in a wide variety
of subjects. It is a central service or unit of operation set up to provide location ,materials
and facilities for study, teaching and research carried out in the institution. The main
function of an academic library is to serve as an auxiliary to the parent institution in
carrying out its objectives. The Library is an important intellectual resource of the
academic community, and helps them fulfill the curriculum requirements and to promote
studies and research (Rajendran and Rathinasabapathy, 2005). The library caters for the
information needs of the community, through the provision of reading materials for the
various programmes of the institution (Igbinosa and Idiodi, 2002).
According to Danton (1963), the major obligation of the academic library with
respect to its book selection and book collection is to provide the materials which will
now and in the future best contribute to the fulfillment of these closely related functions
of teaching, conservation and research. Ajibero (1995) opined that the academic library is
the“heart”of the institution. He contends that what all academic libraries have in
common, virtually regardless of country or history is their basic position, roles, aims and
objectives. The reputation of these libraries depends highly on the library facilities it
offers its clientele in terms of information resources. As information and research
resources become more varied, it places a challenge on academic libraries. Hazen (2000)
argued that the changes in the nature of information, in research strategies, and in the
structure of higher education are affecting academic libraries. These changes define much
of the shifting context within which academic libraries must operate.
It is absolutely essential for a library to possess the resources that will enable it
meet its goals. Beautiful buildings, well trained staff and modern information storage and
retrieval system can only be appreciated if excellent services are given to users. These
services cannot be given without a collection of information materials.
The objective of any academic library is to support the teaching, learning and
research activities of the parent institution. It is an objective which is achieved through a
systematic acquisition and organization of all forms of recorded and undocumented
information in all fields pertinent to the goals of the institution. This can be realized by
making such information available to the members of the academic community and other
scholars engaged in research and study (Ekere, 1992).
Collection development is one of the fundamental functions of the library and
information profession. Magrill (1989) described it to include all planning for the
systematic and rational building of a collection. In one sense, collection development
includes assessing user needs, evaluating the present collection, determining selection
policy, coordinating selection of items, re-evaluating and storing parts of the collection
and planning for resources sharing. However, in a broader sense, collection development
is not a single activity, or a group of activities; it is a planning and decision-making
process. In order to play these vital roles effectively, academic libraries are supposed to
be adequately funded by their parent institutions to procure adequate information
resources. A library’s collection development efforts cannot be effective unless its
acquisition efforts are efficient. This practice that is responsible for selecting and
acquiring information specialist to perform their myriad function to the users effectively
(Aina, 2004). Academic librarians must strive to remain competent navigators of
acquisition and collection building in order to assist library users’ .In addition, acquisition
practices includes a policy on the conservation and preservation of information materials
as well as the weeding of information materials. The policy is to provide guidance to staff
when selecting and deselecting resources for the local collection.
Futhermore, collection evaluation is concerned with how good a collection is in
terms of kinds of materials in it and value of each item in relation to the community being
served, and to the library potential users. The complexities of operating effective and
efficient libraries require greater knowledge about measuring the processes and
evaluating how they influence library’s decision making and planning. Collection
evaluation is a broadly encompassing activity. It can be as simple as the assessment of
size of dollar worth of a collection and it can be as complex as measuring its value to a
given community. The process is an excellent situation for communication among units
in the library.
There are two axioms about the best foundation for good selection in collection
development: know the collection and know the community. Osborne (1992) pointed out
that evaluation possesses the potentials to make known the strengths, limitations, needs
and possibilities of the library. It can project the image of responsible management
thereby garnering support for improvement, nuturing hope for the future. The library’s
aim is said to have been achieved if its objectives is not just towards mere warehousing of
materials that come within its reach or become a mere dumping room for gifts, but an
evaluative system where the best is acquired and organized for easy identification of
resources within a given period.
The goal of those who are charged with acquisition responsibilities is to build the
best collection possible that will be relevant to the curriculum but this singular goal is far
fetched in our academic libraries today. This is why Osborne (1992) in his study of
relationship between trends in research and in the way in which academic research
collections had been built lamented that research libraries are unable to meet the needs of
their users, not so much because of lack of money as lack of awareness in the academic
research environment.
The main reason for the existence of libraries and indeed librarians is providing
the information materials that a person wants regardless of its format or location. Central
to the ability of the polytechnic librarian to do this is the collection of materials upon
which the students and staff alike will draw. He is expected to continuously acquire,
assemble and develop a collection bearing the unique characteristics of the polytechnic.
Conclusively, whether the collection of a library is large or small, the weaknesses must
be determined, rated as to their importance for users and accepted or alleviated.
The establishment of the polytechnic system in Nigeria in the late 1970’s came
with the idea of providing Nigerians with another level of tertiary institutions besides the
university system. The main purpose of the Polytechnic education is to produce the
middle –level manpower for the nation’s economy. According to Owolabi and Attama,
(2009), these institutions are engaged in research suitable for the development for both
human and material resources needed by the nation’s industry and economy. The training
of competent personnel that would fit into these positions requires adequate and free
access to well organized sources of information Adegboro (2000). The curriculum of
polytechnics in Nigeria is structured to provide both theoretical and practical training for
students in an atmosphere that is academically enriching. Ekere (1992) further highlights
that a polytechnic’s prime function is the education and training of students to be able to
contribute effectively to the nation’s economy and technological advancement. The
Polytechnic describes the program mix and focus of a special purpose. This mix typically
includes business, arts and science, design, health, engineering, journalism, education,
media studies, health, visual and performing arts. Some distinguishing features of a
polytechnic are learn-by-doing environment, application of theory to practice, students’
diversely widening participation in higher education, multi-disciplinary programe,
flexible learning environments/approaches and work placement/co-op education.
The polytechnic library is an academic library which supports learning, teaching
and research programs in the institution. In addition to providing an atmosphere
conducive to reading and consultation of relevant facts and data, the library also offers a
variety of facilities and services to enable readers to make optimal use of library
resources. Aboyode (1979) summed up these services as follows: answering reader’s
questions, instruction in the use of library materials, readers’ advisory services, inter-
library loan services, photocopying facilities, library publications, exhibition and
displays. In addition to this, the library also organizes an orientation program for new
students at the beginning of each session.
It will be appropriate to give a brief history of the polytechnics under this study.
The Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic was established in 1981 as the first Federal
Polytechnic in Southeast Nigeria. It was first located in a temporary site at the federal
Government College, Okposi in Ohozara Local Government area, Ebonyi State. In the
same year, the first class of students was admitted to pursue various programs leading to
the award of National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in science,
engineering, and humanities. The polytechnic administers five schools or faculties in
eighteen departments where the mission and vision of the institution are vigorously
pursued.
The polytechnic library, which was established at the same time, has been playing
supportive roles in the actualization of the mission and vision of the institution. The
collections of the library are made up of fifteen thousand books in different fields, and
two hundred and fifty serial titles (Owolabi and Attama, 2009). The library is not
computerized .Hence; it is not connected to the internet. However, the institution has an
information and telecommunication centre that is internet-driven with a staff of six
information technology (IT) professionals and four non-professonals.The library is well
positioned to carry out its mandate to the entire staff and students of the polytechnic.
The Federal Polytechnic, Oko is a research –led polytechnic, recognized for
excellence in teaching, learning, research, creative work and administration for the
significance of its contribution to the advancement of knowledge and its commitment to
serve its local, national and international communities. The institution which has today
metamorphosed into the Federal polytechnic, Oko was founded in 1979 and approved by
the then Anambra State government as a College of Arts and science. In 1992, the
Federal Government of Nigeria with Prof.Ben Nwabueze as secretary for Education took
over the polytechnic and redesigned it as Federal polytechnic, Oko with campuses at
Atani and Ufuma.Over the years, the polytechnic was saddled with several anti-
development factors which were associated with its birth and growth especially in the
area of physical infrastructural development. In order to move the institution forward, the
mission of the polytechnic is to enable learners develop individual potentials and to
acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed and public services for the
technological advancement of the country. Students pursue various programs leading to
the award of National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma in Business,
engineering, Technology and Art. The institution administers ten Schools and they all
work together in pursuing the vision of the institution. (www.Okofederalpoly.com).The
collections of Oko polytechnic library are made up of twenty seven thousand books in
different fields and three thousand five hundred and fifty serial titles. The library is not
computerized but also has an IT centre. (Okoye, 2010)
Abia State Polytechnic, Aba was established by edict no 8 of 1994, which has a
retrospective effect from 2nd
October 1992. Its location is the former Girls’ Technical
College (GTC) Aba, along Aba Owerri Road. The initial intake comprised students
taking various Certificate Programmes.The National Diploma programmes commenced
in the 1994/1995 academic year. The Higher Diploma programmes were introduced in
the 1999/2000 session. The institution is made up of six Schools and twenty five
departments. (www.abiapolyportal.org/pages.php?page_id=30).
The library collection is made up of eighteen thousand five hundred and ten books in
different fields and four thousand seven hundred and fifteen serial titles and has seven
librarians. (Uhiara, 2010) The library is not computerized. The library remains open
between 8.00am and 9.00pm from Monday through Friday and opens 8.00am to 3.00pm
on Saturdays.
Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri was established in 1978.The polytechnic
pursues programs that lead to the award of National Diploma (ND) and Higher National
Diploma (HND).The Polytechnic administers five schools. The library was established to
provide information resources in support of teaching, learning and research. In doing so,
it has the following objectives: To collect and preserve the most up to date materials for
teaching, research and consultation services of the Polytechnic, to collect and preserve
information resources in books and non-book formats, to give user-oriented services to
the polytechnic community through Current Awareness Services(CAS), to provide
reading environment in a useful variety of locations
etc.(www.federalpolynekede.net/site/about.htm).The volume of books are twenty seven
thousand and sixty in different fields and three thousand and fifty serial
titles.(Nwiwu,2010). The library is not yet computerized.
Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu is located in the heart of Enugu
and was established in the year 1973.It is the oldest polytechnic in southeastern part of
Nigeria. Beyond academics and professional competence, the institution strives to
produce graduates who will never be found wanting in character and who have a burning
zeal to serve their fatherland with their skills. They run both National Diploma
programme and Higher National Diploma programme in Science, Technology,
Engineering, Arts, and Humanities. The institution administers ten Schools all in the bid
to produce well baked graduates.(www.imteduportal.com). The library has been
providing supportive roles. The library houses fifty thousand five hundred and sixty five
books and three thousand five hundred and fifty serial titles. The sections in the library
include: Readers services, collection development department, serials section, reference
and reprography sections. (Eze, 2010)
Generally speaking, all the Libraries under study are involved with collection
development and evaluation. In one sense, the issue of policies guiding the process and
constant evaluation of collection is yet to be fully actualized. Adequate information
resources that meet the needs of users are slightly above minimal level. This situation
might be as a result of some problems such as insufficient staff/manpower to carry out
the practice, inadequate funds to acquire relevant materials and then the issue of non
existent or minimal demand from students,academics,departments and faculties for up to
date or topical materials relating to current curriculum.
Statement of the Problem
Over the years, libraries have been faced with the problem of inadequate and
outdated collections. Providing the information materials a user wants regardless of its
format or location is the main reason for the existence of libraries and librarians. Various
efforts are being made by Polytechnic libraries in Nigeria to acquire information
materials that will meet the desired needs of users in terms of adequacy, currency and
availability. The consistent review of library materials is necessary for maintaining an
active library collection of current interest to users. Evaluation will be made to determine
whether the collection is meeting its objectives, how well it is serving its users, in which
way it is deficient and what remains to be done to develop the collection. This is why the
acquisitions department of any library is essentially a service unit for the public service
department and staff as customers to be satisfied. Unfortunately, most Polytechnics are
facing some challenges in providing, preserving and replacing damaged and worn out
materials.
However, some studies have been carried out on related areas such as book
acquisition, collection development in university libraries but none have covered the
present status of acquisition and collection development in Polytechnic libraries in South
east zone of Nigeria. Notwithstanding all the efforts being made by Polytechnic libraries
towards acquiring information materials that is adequate, current and fully meets the
institutions curricular, it appears they face a number of problems. Knowledge of these
challenges is essential for any Polytechnic library whether federal, State or private. This
shows that there is still gap which needs to be filled in order to have a balanced
collection. Hence, the need for this study which is designed to evaluate the acquisition
practices in Polytechnic libraries in south eastern zone of Nigeria.
Purpose of the Study
The general purpose of the study is to evaluate the acquisition practices in
Polytechnic libraries in South-East Nigeria. The specific objectives are as follows:
1. To examine the adequacy of the collection of the Polytechnic libraries under study.
2. To evaluate the methods of acquisition of the information resources by the
Polytechnic libraries.
3. To evaluate the currency of their information resources.
4. To examine the collection development policies available in the polytechnic libraries.
5. To evaluate those problems encountered in the development of their
collections.
6. To examine the strategies that could enhance the acquisition practices in the
Libraries under study.
Research Questions
The study will be guided by the following research questions:
1. How adequate are the collections of the polytechnic Libraries in South-East Nigeria?
2. What are the methods of acquisition of their information resources?
3. How current are the collections of the Polytechnic Libraries?
4. What are the Collection development policies available in these Libraries?
5. What are those problems encountered in developing collections of these Libraries?
6. What are the strategies that could enhance the acquisition practices of the libraries
under study?
Significance of the Study
The findings of this study would be useful to Librarians, students, lecturers,
researchers and the Government in the following ways: As libraries deteriorate in terms
of collection evaluation, users suffer. Hence, the study of this nature is needed to
determine the magnitude of the problems affecting collection development/evaluation
and strategies adopted in handling them. For Librarians, the result of the findings will
assist librarians to create avenues of contending with the problems in the area of
collection development evaluation. This study is also aimed at alerting librarians on the
need for proper collection development, policies and constant evaluation of collection in
order to frequently satisfy the needs of users, of polytechnic Libraries and other academic
libraries. The recommendations will help in giving the librarians an insight of
information on evaluation of materials so as to adopt better ones.
For students, lecturers and researchers, the findings will provide them with basic
and factual information at their disposal. It will help to determine the extent to which the
aims and objectives of libraries in terms of evaluation of collection has helped students
and researchers and organizational bodies of institutions.
Likewise the Government will benefit from the study as they will realize their
budgeting inadequacies for library collection development. This will enable them counter
these inadequacies.
Finally, the study will be useful for other academic purposes by providing the data
base from which information could be obtained for future research in related areas of
study.
Scope of the Study
This research is limited to the collections of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic
Library, Uwana, Federal Polytechnic Library, Oko, Federal Polytechnic Library, Nekede,
Institute of Management Technology Library, Enugu, and Abia Polytechnic Library, Aba.
The study will involve all librarians and lecturers of the institutions.
Furthermore, the study will be delimited to: adequacy of collections, methods of
acquisition, currency of collections, availability of collection development policies,
problems and strategies for enhancing acquisition practices.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
The review of related literature to this study was done under the
following headings to enhance our understanding of the inherent issues.
Conceptual Framework
Acquisition and Collection Development in Libraries
Roles of gifts, Donations and exchanges in Collection
Development
Collection evaluation in Libraries
Collection evaluation Methods
Problems affecting acquisition and collection building in Academic Libraries
Strategies for enhancing acquisition practices in Academic Libraries
Review of Empirical Studies
Summary of Literature Review
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Acquisition and Collection Development in libraries
Acquiring information resources is an important exercise for libraries. despite the
prophesies of vanishing print collections and emergence of the digital paradigm, printed
materials still have a central role in library collection and publishing
industry(Carr,2007).Acquisition is the process of securing materials for the library
collection whether by purchase, as gifts or through exchange
programmes(Evans,2000).Once materials have been selected by staff or requested by
users, the acquisition process begins- that is locating the right item, ordering it and
processing the item and paperwork once they arrive. Although acquisition procedures
may vary depending on the library’s mission and resources, all libraries have some goals
in common. According to the Arizona State library (2011), these goals include acquiring
materials as quickly and economically as possible and minimizing the amount of
paperwork, filling and follow up needed. Effective working relationships with vendors
are very important as well.
The nitty-gritty of an effective acquisition include collection orders, searching and
verifying bibliographic information, choosing an option for placing orders, assigning a
purchase order, placing an order,bookkeeping,receiving materials, returning
books/materials if necessary, processing the books and making payments. Some of these
acquisition processes might not apply to all information materials. The slow rate of book
production in the country has also created a problem in acquiring quality materials for the
library. Haider(1995) as cited by Ameen(2008) addresses the issue of insufficient
collections in University libraries and suggest ways of improving cooperation. He found
out that acquisition of materials is largely based on imports (either directly of through
local seller).Acquisition through this method is almost totally directed and controlled by
availability of materials in the market, leaving only a limited systematic collection
building.
Collection development has recently become a very popular term in library and
information centres as a need for an efficient and balance collection. It includes
everything that goes into acquiring materials, including selection, ordering and payment.
It is a chain of events that includes planning, administration and control. Collection
development serves as a foundation, upon which other library services are built.
According to Eguavon and Ochai (2002), collection development is a planned, systematic
development of a collection based on the objectives of the library. The progress in
achieving development in a library’s collection as long as the concept is insufficiently
operationalized is very difficult to measure. Library collection development has been
defined as the process of planning and acquiring a balanced collection of library materials
in many formats including books, periodicals, online resources and other media
(Wikipedia, 2007). Magrill and Corbin (1989) see library collection development as the
process of assessing user needs, evaluating the present collection, determining selection
policy, coordinating selection of items, re-evaluating and storing parts of the collection,
and planning for resource sharing
Collection development is defined by Evans (1979) as the process of identifying
the strengths and weaknesses of library collections in terms of patrons’ needs and
community resources and attempting to correct the weaknesses if any. This requires the
constant examination of the library’s resources and the constant study of both needs and
changes in the community to be served. Futhermore, Elaturoti (1995) sees collection
development as the process of assessing the strengths and weaknesses in a collection and
then creating a plan to correct the weakness and maintain the strengths. According to
Ogbonna (2000), collection development involves planned and systematic building of
library collection. He further explains that through collection development, the
weaknesses of a library collection are identified and then strengthened. Librarians and
library staff develop library collection by acquiring materials over a period of time based
on assessment of the information needs of the library users. Library collection
development includes: the creation of policies to guide the selection, replacement of lost
or worn out materials, weeding of materials no longer needed in the collection, planning
for new collection areas and cooperative decision-making with other library or within
library consortia.
Futhermore, Magrill (1989) emphasized that there is however, more to the growth
of a collection than simply acquiring materials; someone must decide which materials
will be acquired and through which methods. This implies that selection decisions must
be made, perhaps in accordance with an overall plan for the development of the
collection. Prytherch (1995) also emphasized that the process of planning a stock
acquisition programme is not simply to cater for immediate needs but to build a coherent
and reliable collection over a number of years to meet the objectives of the service.
The library’s main objective is to select, maintain and provide access to relevant
and representative information sources. In order to facilitate this, many authors agree on
the need for every library to have a written collection development policy. Buckland’s
(1963) argues that all library operations that primarily facilitate the exploitation of the
collections and those directly consumed by the end users of the library have their roots in
the collection development policy. Ifidon (1997) perceives that this policy is a sine qua
non for any library that wants to build a functional collection whether by traditional
methods or in an information age. Therefore, a collection development policy is to
provide guidance to staff when selecting and deselecting resources for the local
collection. In this case, it serves as a guideline for each of the stages of material handling
such as selection, acquisition, processing, housing, weeding, retention, preservation,
relegation and discarding of all types of library materials. This reduces personal bias by
setting individual selection decisions in the context of the aims of collection building
practice. It also clarifies the purpose and scope of local collections and allows selection
decisions to be evaluated.
However, Aina (2004), opined that collection development policy would ensure
that all information materials acquired are relevant to the the users of the library; thus
ensuring that the materials acquired are effectively used. Eguavoen (2002) put it in his
write up that collection development policy in any Library should be reviewed after five
years, because things and people do change. Ikem (1995) explains that collection
development policy is the vehicle through which the library achieves the goals of its
readers’ services.
On the operational level, information selection and acquisition are determined
first by the official policy statement, which explains the manner in which the library is to
go about the business of collection development. It addresses questions such as what
should be the policy of the institution regarding the foreign books, purchase of rare
books, research materials and use of information techniques in accessing information?
The policy should ensure that library collection consists of well balanced stock among
other general materials: books, journals, newspapers, government publications, pamplets
and suitably selected reference works. It should address the application of modern
catalogue and internet to satisfy the information needs of the institution.Secondly, it also
depends upon the type and of teaching or research that the institution wishes to provide.
The collection development policy establishes ground rules for planning and
budgeting, selection and acquisition of library materials. This is in agreement with Poole
as reported by Cutter (1978) that it is important to remember when one is trying to select
the best that there are as many kinds of best as there are kinds of readers.
A policy must reflect the vision and mission of the parent institution. For an
effective collection development policy, there must be a document that clearly states the
mission and vision of the library (Aina 2004). A policy document provides a sound
foundation for future planning thereby assisting in determining priorities especially when
financial resources are limited. This provides a basis for the fair allocation of resources
and in accounting for library fund by explaining the rationale behind acquisition
activities. Having a formal publication to refer to ensures continuity and avoids
confusion. The stated aims also help other collection related activities such as
cataloguing, preservation and storage to form a coherent strategy, for example by
identifying areas in need of de-selection or more suitable for inter-library loan.
In general, a collection development policy can help the library make the best use
of its limited resources by indicating who will be served, for what purpose and with what
type of materials. Those who participate in the exercise gain knowledge of the existing
collection and become able to make appropriate reference referrals (Magrill and Corbin
1989). According to the American Library Association (ALA) standard as discussed by
Carter (1974), three elements are very important in a collection development policy .They
are general overview, which is the introduction and general collection; detailed analysis
of subject collections; and a miscellaneous section. Formal policy statement can be useful
in making the case for the library when dealing with its users, administrators and donor
agencies. They support the stated objectives of organization demonstrating accountability
and commitment to agreed goals. Its compilation involves the participation of both users
and administration hence improving communication between the library and its clientele.
It serves as a contract with users, which demonstrate the individual within what they can
expect of the library both in terms of collections and of the service (Hazen, 1995).
Collection development is a planned, continious and cost effective acquisition of quality,
relevant materials to meet the needs of users and the objectives of the library. Collection
development is not only growth in volumes and titles but in quality of acquired materials
in enhancing effective information delivery. It is only from this perspective that the word
“development” could be meaningful in relation to collective development. (Olaojo and
Akewukereke, 2006).
Therefore, the collection development policy acts as a public relation tool for the
library to its sponsors and other stakeholders. Ogbonna (2000) opined that the collection
development policy guides the library and provides direction and guidance on selection
and acquisition of library materials. Collection development policy remains a framework
and set of parameter within which the staff and users work, according to Biblarz (2001).
It serves as a communication channel, prevents censorship and a guide to weeding. The
policy acts as a guide for future planning in the library. Therefore, a written collection
development policy is a sine qua non for any library that wants to build a functional
collection by traditional methods or in an information age (Ifidon 1997).
Roles of Gifts, Donations and Exchanges in Collection Development
Donated materials are expected to meet the same standards of quality and
relevance to the collection as new titles are purchased. They should support the
curriculum and mission of the library as well as the collection guidelines and policies
with regards to the physical conditions, format, language and cultural relevance
(Cassell,2005).
According to Hite (2006), external provision of information resources to support
collection development is a major need and potential focus of cooperation programmes.
Magrill and Corbin (1989) report that for many libraries, gift materials and funds have
been very important in building their collections. The library collection may be enhanced
by solicited and unsolicited gifts and gift of Money. He further stated that solicited gifts
range from free vertical file materials routinely requested by clerks in various public or
technical services departments to the rare books, manuscript and other important
collections that come to a library only after sustained and tactful solicitation by high level
staff members.
The exchange of materials between and among libraries has a long history and in
some libraries, has contributed significantly to the development of valuable collection.
(Magrill and Corbin, 1989).He stated that materials sent out on exchange may have
originally been gifts or have been purchased at a special discount, but in return they bring
libraries items of greater value. Exchanges are a useful way to dispose of duplicates,
discards, or other items of potential use that are not appropriate for the library’s
collection.
The library is supposed to be adequately funded to procure the necessary
information resources to perform the varied functions. Lack of fund from various
governments has been noted as one of the causes for poor performance of these libraries.
Ajibero(2004) and Sawyerr(2005), concur that the problem of funding for academic
libraries in the third world countries has made donor support to stand out as one of the
major sources of sustenance and even survival. Garbers(1998) has emphasized that the
increasing cost of books and journals with decreasing government support has reduced
many libraries to museum-like repositories of outdated books. Journals are no longer
received regularly. Hence, most academic libraries are no longer capable of supporting
research, learning and teaching. While government is cutting down the support and
imposing various economic stabilization policies, at the same time, they are equally
pressured by the increased enrolment and to maintain quality levels without
commensurate increase in resources. This makes the need for donor support quite
attractive and at times compelling.
The specific problems of higher education have begun to engage serious attention
both within Africa and donor community (World Bank, 1995).Several African
Government and institutions have undertaken major reviews and strategic planning and
the leading donors to African education which have for a decade turned away from higher
education support, have started new ways of helping to support the revitalization of
African education. Almost without exception, resources have failed to match the rate of
increase in enrolment and demands. Libraries as a consequence are not only
overcrowded, but books are out of date, whilst journal holdings lag years behind.
Academic libraries are called upon to do more with less in terms of information resources
and infrastructure.
Collection Evaluation in Libraries
Collection analysis and evaluation are crucial to ensuring efficient, effective and
usable collections. Collection effectiveness is measured, according to Lumande and
Ojedokun (2005), by the extent to which a library collection can facilitate research
activities and how much student can rely on it for projects and assignments. Slote (1997)
discusses collection evaluation in academic libraries and asserts that this is where some
of the most serious problems exist, due to critical space shortages and rapid growth of
universities, polytechnics etc. Pauch and Popp (1997) maintain that accountability,
outcome measurement, and assessment are the subject of discussion in higher education,
and coupled with the fact that libraries collections consume a large proportion of the
budget; libraries must ensure that what is collected matches or meets the expressed needs
and information expectation of the academic community.
One of the ways of ensuring that such needs are met is through collection
evaluation within the framework of the curriculum. (Osagie, 2008) Collection evaluation
is the process of assessing the effectiveness of a collection to meet the identified
information need of the instituton.It is a continuous process which reflects change in
teaching/learning programmes and user needs(NSW Department of School
Education,1996).The organized process of systematically analyzing and describing a
library collection, and thus assessing the quality of a library’s collection, may be
variously referred to as collection evaluation, collection assessment or collection
analysis(Mount Saint Vincent University,1998,Perrttt,1993 and Middle Tennessee State
Unversity,1996). However, Dillon (1996) notes that these terms may be used
synonymously.
Collection assessment may be time consuming and thus an expensive operation
(Gaskal 1995). Cerny, 1991 and Peters, 1998 are of the view that as events in
contemporary society have produced changes in formerly static data such as political
boundaries and curriculums are revised, there is a continual need to ensure that the library
collection is current, relevant and accessible. A proactive role in all aspects of
librarianship is required with collection assessment identifying strengths and weaknesses
in the collection (Saskatchewan school/library assessment.1989).
Furthermore, the analysis produces results that are appropriate for use in future
planning and development. Tanner (1995) states that collection evaluation may be client-
oriented, based on usage or collection-centered based on the actual resources. User-
oriented methods include circulation studies, citation studies, in-house use studies and
survey of opinion studies which will be looked into subsequently. Collection centered
methods include the use of standards, direct exam (by an “expert”), and statistical
analysis (Dillon1998).The methods employed may result in either qualitative or
quantitative data (Dillon 1998).
The ongoing evaluation of collection is an important component of a
comprehensive collection management program. Collection must grow and change to
effect evolution in both the scholarship of each discipline and the curricular needs of the
institution. Likewise serial subscription must regularly be reviewed. According to the
Norfolk public library collection management policy (Oct, 1999), the library collection is
continuously evolving. In order to maintain a strong, vital, relevant, useful, up-to-date
collection, the collection development librarian will work with library managers to
evaluate collections in addition to the overall collection. The publication further explains
that evaluation techniques will include but not be limited to the following: circulation use
data, collection holding data, evaluation of standard bibliographic catalogues, online
database use of statistics, patrons and staff recommendations, patron survey, list of “best
materials” published by library organizations, library and professional review resources,
formal evaluation of library collections.
Studies have shown that careful evaluation increases book use and user
satisfaction to locate up to date, accurate information that relates to the academic needs.
The publication of Shippensburg University (2008) is of the opinion that` the increased
book usage and increased user satisfaction are some of the advantages of evaluation. Ross
Shimon (1976) notes that libraries are always seeking better ways to evaluate
performance and always running into difficulties. Most of the present evaluation
techniques do not seem to be sufficiently sensitive to both quantitative and qualitative
factors of library services and are not completely acceptable to either librarians or non
librarians. According to her, accessibility of materials, cost and user satisfaction are some
of the important concepts in evaluating library effectiveness.
Evaluation is an integral part of collection development process. In fact,
evaluation is a cardinal principle of collection building (Eze and Eze, 2006).
Cleaver (1980) observed this and a lot more when he opined that the final criterion of a
library is not how many books it has, or how nice it looks, or how big the room is created,
for if the books are going to be read, students must like to read and the library must be a
place which they like to be in, for reading is the cornerstone of our aim.
However, Ifidon (1997) explains that collection evaluation is the assessment of
the extent to which a collection meets the library’s objectives. The aims of the exercise
are to determine the scope/depth and usefulness of the collection, test the effectiveness,
utility and practical applicability of the collection development policy, assess the
adequacy of the collection and thereby highlighting the inadequacies and suggest ways
of rectifying them, reallocate resources so that the areas that really need them can receive
greater attention; convince the library’s authorities that the allocated resources are also
inadequate; and to identify areas where weeding is required for an evaluation to be
properly done. It is necessary to map out the criteria against which the assessment is
being done. According to him, there are two sets of criteria. The first is the objectives of
the library. The starting point of any organization and especially service oriented
organizations such as the library is to establish the objectives at various levels. Unless
this is done, it will be difficult, if not impossible to know whether the organization’s goal
has been reached or not. This applies to all types of libraries. There is no exception. The
second is the written collection development policy. If the document is properly applied
at the stage the collection is being developed, it can serve as a measuring instrument
when the evaluation of the collection is done. Conversely, if the library staff simply keep
the document in the file for cosmetic reasons and mechanically selects the titles in
addition to the collection, the result will also show when collection assessment is carried
out. Most of the titles will be out of tune with the library’s objectives and the argument
that quantity does not always mean quality will be upheld.
Futhermore, Ifidon (1997) pointed out three commonest evaluators which include
external consultants, accrediting bodies and librarians. An external consultant can be
appointed with a brief to determine the adequacy of the collection. He develops a
collection policy where there is none, evolves policies and procedures for appropriate
funding of the various areas of the collection, develops the appropriate division of
responsibility to form the selection of library materials between the library/teaching staff
and the discarding and re-allocation of library materials. The second being that the
accrediting body is appointed by the library’s superior agency such as the Ministry of
Education or Commission for higher Education, Nigerian Universities commission
(NUC), Nigerian Legal Council, Nigerian Medical and Dental Association, and others.
This imposes more responsibilities on the library, which has to ensure that the collection
reflects the requirements for accreditation. Accreditation can be referred to as the vehicle
to monitor the quality of education. The basic job of the report from this type of
evaluation is that, most of the members are not librarians and therefore their report should
be taken with a grain of salt. The third type is the one done by the librarians themselves.
Although the librarians have all necessary information to do the assignment, there may be
an element of subjectivity on their part especially if there are in the report some negative
aspects that are likely to be to their disadvantage.
There are many benefits derivable from collection evaluation. Lamb (2004)
submits that collection evaluation helps librarians to review the strengths and weaknesses
of the entire collection through graphic representation and that the idea is to look at the
quality, quantity and condition of the collection. According to Franklin, Essex, and
Hamilton (1999), collection evaluation can be used in budgeting, by comparing the
collection in a given subject area against the curriculum in that area. Supporting this
view, Daingeault (2004:9) states, “I divide the budget by priorities and set aside certain
amounts for each area of the curriculum. I don’t try balance; instead I try to fill
curriculum needs”. He asserts that when the collection is pertinent to the curriculum, it
will be used. As Pastine (1996) observes that an academic library’s reputation is no
longer primarily based on quantity and number of volumes held but on quality of the
collections along with access capabilities.
Collection Evaluation Methods
Systematic evaluation of the collections by the means which will be discussed
below is imperative to insure that available resources continue to be of maximum benefits
to students and the community. Some methods rely on collecting qualitative or
quantitative statistics (Credaro2001).Quantitative statistics involves variables such as the
current number of items in the collection, number of items added or rate of growth and
items available per students in comparisons to recommended lists or to similar library
collections and the study of the age of the collection. Qualitative approaches include
analysis of circulation and interlibrary lending (ILL) statistics and in- house studies of
materials.
A user satisfaction survey which employs a questionnaire or survey is another
technique. This method is sometimes followed up with telephone interviews (Silvera,
1996). They can be conducted in various ways using various tools but have a common
basis in that they rely on the library’s clients, either directly or indirectly, to demonstrate
the strengths and flaws within the collection. This appears to be both the greatest
advantage and disadvantage of this type as there is an element of flexibility and client
focus in measuring the collection’s strengths but user studies also operate on the
assumption that the value of a collection directly equates with its level of use.Oke and
Tyrrell,(2000).
Studies of the citations and bibliographies of customers’ publication to find out if
items cited are available in the collections is another method of collection evaluation and
assessment of customer satisfaction(Pastine,1996). This relies on the sophistication of the
library’s existing automated circulation system and its ability to put together lists of
information. Automated circulation studies are not difficult at the information gathering
stage due to the ease of collating and producing statistics.
Although planning is required to determine what the object of this kind of study is
and what type of list and statistics will give the most valuable picture of the collection,
the major problem associated with this kind of study is the fact that they show, often
where the collection is strong and not where the user failed to find what they were
looking for. Also not represented are users who use the materials in-house and this is a
big disadvantage.(Oke and Tyrrell 2000)
Three ways of evaluating a library collection have been identified by
Credaro(2001).They include survey of user opinion, which is user centered (through
questionnaire or interview); the conspectus approach which involves the use of subject
descriptors; and the cumulative approach, which combines some of the first two methods
of collection assessment. Conspectus was first used by the Research Libraries
group(RLG) in the USA.It utilizes library classification schemes, gives a collection level
indicator, and a result of a library undertaking conspectus gives an acquisitions
commitment, a collection goal and a preservation commitment.
The views of Ifidon (1997) are not so different from the above scholars as he also
points out six ways of evaluating library collection which entails compiling statistics on
holdings, use and expenditures; checking list, catalogues and bibliographies; applying
library standards; obtaining opinion from regular users; examining the collection directly;
rating total(internal and external)resources adequacy. According to him, none of the six
collection evaluation techniques is better than the other. Each of them has it own merits
and demerits. For the best result, it is advisable to make use of combination of two or
more of them.
Another method which can be used to get some judgment of the worth of books
in a collection is demand analysis. If there is a fairly regular stream of request for titles
which the library does not have, the librarian might conclude that there is a lack of
correlation between the books being purchased and the interest of the community as
revealed by Carter (1999).
It must be said that since a large part of collection development is making sure
that the selections continue to be valid, and fulfill the collection development policy, one
must always evaluate the chosen materials (Mason 2004)
Problems affecting acquisition and collection building in academic Libraries
In the task of developing the collection, academic libraries especially in
developing countries encounter a number of problems thereby making evaluation
processes difficult and stressful. Eze and Eze (2006) pointed out that it is usually
impossible to procure materials published overseas without obtaining the appropriate
foreign currency. Presently, getting foreign exchange in a country poses a lot of problems
and when one succeeds, the rate is often very high. The implication is far –reaching. It
means that libraries that want to acquire foreign books must have to pay at least thrice the
publisher’s price. This is usually detrimental to academic libraries, in developing
economies.
In addition, poor management of library votes financial mismanagement by the
academic administrators and library managers pose serious problems in maintaining
adequate collection. Consequently, the library is handicapped when it comes to
improving both the stock and staff strength.
Furthermore, inarticulate collection development and acquisition policies are also a
major problem. Libraries do not have written or articulate acquisition policy. It is
important that libraries should have this policies.Moreover, communication services in
the country are nothing to write home about. Our roads are in deplorable conditions. All
these make the process of procuring library materials very cumbersome and time
consuming.
Scholars like Ogbonna (2000) pointed out some problems which include
Underdeveloped book industry, Government fiscal measures,censorship,poor
communication infrastructure, publication explosion and literature scatter, preservation
problems,accommodation,poor funding, lack of collection development policy, lack of
written development policy, lack of equipment and facilities and unavailability of
standard bibliographies. Libraries have certain obligation to fulfill and these obligations
cannot be totally fulfilled unless there is adequate fund for the Library.
The attitudes of potential library users toward the various types of formats used to
package and distribute information and those potential users’ ingrained habits of seeking
information must influence collection development planning and evaluation according to
Magrill and Corbin (1989). Osborne and Atkinson (1991) pointed out a number of
problems affecting collection development which include number of employees to be
served, including full-time consultants and outside users, need for end users to access
information when the library is not present, physical working space and supplementing
the collection with on-line information resources.
Another problem facing collection development are identified by Amudhavalli
(1997) as finding out what is available, evaluating the sources available and acquiring
and servicing the sources required. The attitude of the public towards education generally
and towards libraries specifically can create either opportunities or frustration for those
librarians engaged in collection development evaluation. When the public feels good
about education and is willing to support it financially, library materials budgets usually
benefits; when the public loses confidence in the quality of educational leadership,
librarians may find their collection decisions being questioned.
Strategies for enhancing acquisition practices in Academic Libraries
Focused, positive, and consistent collection development strategy according to
Ifidon (1996) is a necessity for any meaningful library development. The librarian must
also ensure that no race, nationality, profession, trade, religion, school of thought, or local
customer is overlooked during selection. The collection is built according to the policy,
and patrons’ demands must also be considered.
The policy should specify who is responsible for selection. It could be
combination of users and librarians. Methods of selection, treatment of gifts and
donations, weeding and collection assessment are also included.
According to Olaojo and Akewukereke (2006), materials should meet high
standards of quality in content, expression, and format. On the other hand, the selector
should not hesitate to acquire a mediocre book that will be read in preference to a
superior book that will not be read.
In addition, Norfolk Public Library publication ,1999 explains that in other to
ensure that library collection provides timely services to the public, out-dated materials
no longer of regional interest, and damaged materials, whose physical condition makes
them unsuitable for circulation, will be removed from the collection or preserved for
archival use.
A cooperative approach to collection development is absolutely necessary to
counteract the creation of a cycle of apathy. There is little doubt that academic libraries
have grown; they need to sharpen their responsiveness to changing conditions and
improve their management systems and capacities. This will greatly depend on the
communication links that exist between community and libraries.
Review of Empirical Studies
This subsection is centered the review of relevant empirical findings on related
topics to this research work. A number of studies have been conducted on collection
evaluation and acquisition in academic libraries especially in the University system.
Among these studies is the work done by Crawley-Low (2002) on Collection analysis
technique used to evaluate graduate-level Toxicology collection. In the study, Materials-
centered and use-centered methods were chosen to evaluate the Toxicology collection of
the University of Saskatchewan Library. Strengths and weaknesses of the techniques
were reviewed, along with examples of their use in evaluating the Toxicology collection.
The monograph portion of the collection was evaluated using list checking, citation
analysis, and classified profile method. He further found out that use centered methods
such as circulation and inter library loan data identified highly used items that should be
added to the collection. He also noted in the study that the material-centered evaluation
techniques were generally the simplest to use and their results the easiest to interpret. For
monographs, list checking and the classification profile methods each reflected the local
needs of the library users.
In addition, Jim Agee (2005), who studied Collection Evaluation: a Foundation
for Collection Development and examined how informed librarians are about the value of
collection evaluation. Three examples of collection evaluation methods (user-centered
evaluation, physical assessment, and specific subject support) were employed. The author
analyzed the data and found out that many strategies such as assessment of specific
subject support and assessing and building specific subject collections were available for
evaluating collections, regardless of the kind of library or size of the collection. He
recommended that collection evaluation will encourage librarians to recognize their
major and minor collections. He also noted that evaluation allows librarians a more
thorough knowledge of what already exists, which may be needed, and whether
collection goals are being achieved. The findings of this author are relevant to this study.
However, this researcher argued that the size of a library or collection will also determine
to an extent what evaluation method will be applicable.
In a related work, Adedibu (2006) conducted a study on “Collection Development
Policy: The case of University of Ilorin Library” .From the responses, it was obvious that
academic staff in conjunction with the professional staff which is about 15.25% of the
population used were responsible for making selection for the library. The University
Librarian, faculty members, Acquisition and collection development librarian and all
individuals who had relevant subjects background played active roles in making
recommendations to the library. The researcher recommended that there is an urgent need
for a written acquisition and collection development policy and Polytechnic Librarian or
University Librarian as the case may be should have an acquisitions and collection
development committee and this committee will give professional advice on the type of
edition,publication,contents,language on all the recommendations received from all the
faculties, while the faculty representatives and students representatives will give advice
on recommendations received, whether the collection is relevant to the courses.
Moreover, Ajidahun (2008) carried out a study on Book acquisition practices in
Nigerian University Libraries: challenges and prospects. A total of 42 copies of a
questionnaire entitled “collection development in University libraries questionnaire” were
mailed to all the 42 state and federal university libraries in Nigeria excluding the private
university libraries. Only 18 University libraries returned their responses. Results show
that acquisition of books in Nigerian university libraries is done mostly through purchase.
Nigerian University libraries patronize the British based multinational publishers more
than the local booksellers for their acquisition. The study further shows that payment
made to book vendors in Nigeria are taxed by Nigerian Universities.
Furthermore, Oseghale (2008) carried out an investigation on Faculty Opinion as
a Collection Evaluation Method using Redeemer’s University library as a case study. He
discovered that 47% of the population occasionally found the materials relevant, while
17% hardly found them relevant. He further observes that 46% of the population
sufficiently found the collection reflective of the curriculum. He also notes that 43% of
the population found the collection very current. The researcher’s investigation is
relevant to an extent because he tackles extensively, the areas being looked into in this
research because the issues of currency and relevance in the use of library resources are
determined by the user of the library.
In the work of Williamson and Colon-Aguirre (2009) on “Determining the scope
of Collection Development and Research assistance for Cross Disciplinary areas: a study
of two contrasting areas, Nanotechnology and Transportation Engineer”, extent of cross
disciplinary in Nanotechnology and transportation engineering research was examined.
Researchers in these two fields were determined from the web sites of the U.S news and
world report top 100 schools in civil engineering and material science. The study
explores approaches to collection development and research assistance for fields having
different extent of cross-discipline. The findings show that transportation engineering
researchers write fewer articles and span fewer disciplines than nanotechnology
researches. The researchers recommended that collection development will have to be
wide ranging in order to serve nanotechnology researchers. Librarians should plan for
approaches to use in providing collection development and research assistance for vast
disciplines. Librarians should focus on depth: getting to know faculty’s research interests
and thoroughly understanding core disciplinary resources
With regards to effectiveness of library resources, Ezeala (2009) carried out an
investigation on the Effectiveness of Library Resources in the Agricultural Research
Institutes in Nigeria. The population for the study consisted of research officers in the 14
Agricultural research Institutes in Nigeria. The researcher therefore opined that their
collections are unsatisfactory; that the libraries are not meeting user expectations. The
books that are available are not current as reported by the respondents. The researcher
also observed that 76.6% of the respondents indicated that the libraries are ineffective.
The study was found to be relevant because it would widen people’s knowledge and pose
as a challenge to researchers to do more research in that area.
From the above discussion, in as much as there are literature in this area of
knowledge, not much have been done using Polytechnics as case study .This has made a
case for this study on evaluation of acquisition practices in Polytechnic Libraries.
Summary of Reviewed Literature.
The review of the literature was based largely on documentary sources, many of
which consisted of journal articles, textbooks, conference or seminar papers, conference
proceedings, theses and electronic sources such as internet and also other important
publications.
The literature reviewed focused on acquisition and collection development in
libraries, role of gifts, donations and exchanges in collection development, collection
evaluations, collection development methods, factors challenging acquisition and
collection building in libraries. The literature clearly revealed that collection development
is a planned, continuous, and cost effective acquisition of quality, relevant materials to
meet the need of users and objectives of the library. The Library is a gateway to
information resources, and can enhance learning, teaching and research in a prompt, cost-
effective, and painless manner. This can be achieved if the library collection is not at
variance with the curriculum. One of the ways to ensure that the collection is in harmony
with the curriculum is to seek the views of academic staff users’ opinion about the
collection, through regular assessment of their opinion about library collections and
services. Osborne (2001) noted that efficiency and effectiveness is bringing greater
output per unit input, ensuring quality services, and meeting user needs well. If Nigerian
academic libraries are to be seen as relevant to their communities, they must ensure that
their collections are not at variance with the curriculum.
There have been some previous related studies carried out in the area of
acquisition, collection development and evaluation in University Libraries but none of
these studies has x-rayed the current status of the collections of Polytechnic Libraries in
south Eastern zone of Nigeria in terms of adequacy, currency, availability and methods of
acquisition. This is the gap which the present study intends to fill.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODS
This chapter described the procedure that was adopted in carrying out this study.
These include: research design, area of the study, population, sample and sampling
technique, instrument for data collection, validity of instrument, procedure for data
collection and method of data analysis.
Research Design
The design for this study is Evaluative Survey. The survey design will be used to
evaluate the acquisition practices of the Polytechnic Libraries in South-eastern Nigeria.
The work seeks to find out the opinions held by the population by collating and analyzing
data from different designation of lecturers and specific librarians in the Polytechnics in
the South-eastern part of Nigeria, who are considered to be representatives of the entire
group.
Area of the Study
The area of study is South-East Nigeria. All the Polytechnics which include Abia
Polytechnic, Aba, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Institute of Management Technology,
Enugu, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwana, Ebonyi State and Federal Polytechnic,
Oko, Anambra State are all located within the region. This region was chosen because the
researcher is based within south-east Nigeria.
Population
The target population for this study comprises lecturers and Librarians in the
Polytechnics under study with the view of getting adequate information regarding the
evaluation of acquisition practices since they are well informed of the curricular
expectations and framework of the institutions. The population size of lecturers and
Librarians in the Polytechnic libraries under study are 1650 and 37 respectively given a
grand total of 1687. (See Appendix I)
Sample and Sampling Technique
A sample size of 330 lecturers and 37 Librarians was used for the study. Stratified
random sampling was used to select the respondents for the study. Twenty percent of
lecturers were used in each stratum. This is based on the recommendation of Uzoagulu,
(1998) as cited by Ezeah, (2005) that for a population of many hundreds, a sample of
20% should be used .To ensure fairness of the five schools, population proportionate to
size was used to determine 20% sample size for each of the institutions which will give
82, 54,70,64,60 for Abia Polytechnic, IMT, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Federal
Polytechnic Oko and Federal Polytechnic Uwana respectively.
Instrument for Data Collection
The researcher used structured questionnaires as instruments of data collection.
Two different questionnaires were designed for lecturers and librarians of the institutions
respectively. A self designed questionnaire titled “Evaluation of Acquisition Practices in
Polytechnics Questionnaire (EAPPQ) was developed for the lecturers of the Polytechnics.
The questionnaire item was divided into two parts. Part one was designed to collect
relevant background information about respondents with respect to their designation,
faculty and department whereas part two was used to elicit information on the research
question of the study. Part two was subdivided into (4) sub-sections: A to D. Section A
which contains 10 items sought to inquire into the extent to which the library collection
reflects the curriculum of the Polytechnic. Section B, which contains 10 items sought
information on the the extent of currency of the library collection. Section C sought
information on problems encountered. Section D was dedicated to finding out strategies
for improvement on collection development.
The second questionnaire was designed for Librarians in the Polytechnics. It was
sub-divided into six (7) sections: A to G. Section A which contains 10 items sought to
inquire into the extent of adequacy of the collection in relation to the curricular of the
polytechnic. Section B sought information on how materials are acquired in the library.
Section C sought information on the extent of currency of information resources.
Section D inquired into the Collection Development policies available in the library.
Section E looked into the evaluation processes available. Section F sought information on
problems encountered in collection development practices. Section G was aimed at
finding out strategies for improvement on collection development in the libraries under
study.
Each respondent was required to answer the questions by selecting appropriate
response(s) option from the range of pre-scheduled answers by ranking their choices.
Sometimes, respondents were required to suggest answers by themselves in the column
provided for such.
Validation of the Instrument
To ascertain the validity of the instruments, the researcher subjected the
questionnaires to content and face validity. The researcher gave copies of draft
questionnaires to her supervisor in addition to two experts in the researcher’s field of
study. They were requested to look at the content of the questionnaires, whether it is in
line with the research questions and statement of problem. They were requested to look at
the format of the questionnaire, the appropriateness of the questionnaire title, the clarity
of items contained therein, as well as correcting any grammatical errors in the
questionnaires. Their correction, comments, was reflected in the final copy of the
instrument. (See Appendix II)
Method of Data Collection
The researcher used questionnaires to gather the necessary data for the study. In
order to ensure a high percentage of return, the questionnaires will be personally
distributed to the respondents by the researcher and collected immediately. This is in
order to have a quick return and also minimize loss of the completed questionnaire.
Method of Data Analysis
Research questions formed the basis for data analysis. The researcher used
descriptive and inferential statistical methods to analyze the data.
Frequencies, percentages (%), and mean scores were used to analyze each item in the
questionnaire for the purpose of answering the research questions. For the responses on a
4-point Likert type scale, a mid point mean of 2.5 which is the criterion mean was
accepted as a positive response. This point was chosen because the average of the
individual mean score is 2.5.
i.e 4+3+2+1
4 = 2.5
In otherwards, any mean score that ranged from 2.5 and above was regarded as positive
and accepted while below 2.5 was regarded as negative and rejected.
Furthermore, any percentage that ranged from 50% and above was regarded as
positive and accepted while below 50% was regarded as negative and rejected. The
percentage is analyzed with the formula below
Weight of responses
_______________________ X 100
Number of responses
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
In this chapter, the data collected from the questionnaires are presented and
analyzed using frequency tables, simple percentages and means. The presentation and
analysis are done bearing in mind the five research questions guiding the study. A total of
three hundred and thirty (330) questionnaires were distributed to Lecturers of the
institutions but two hundred and ninety eight (298) were returned and correctly filled.
This indicates a percentage of 90.3% which the researcher considered appropriate for use.
On the other hand, thirty-seven (37) questionnaires were distributed to librarians and all
were returned and correctly filled.
Research Question 1: How adequate are the collections of Polytechnic Libraries in
South-east Nigeria?
Table 1: Mean Responses of Lecturers and Librarians on adequacy of the Library
collections = 298, N = 37.
Key A- Accepted R- Rejected
\
Table 1 shows the adequacy of library collections in the Polytechnic libraries under
study. The results shows that the information resources available are books, reference
materials, journals, computer resources, periodicals, manuscripts, tapes(audio and
video),Government publications, microfilms and magazines. Responses from Lecturers
and librarians respectively indicates that books(3.65,3.03),Reference materials(3.17,2.95)
and periodicals (2.63,2.57) are adequate. The results also show that the most adequate
information materials in the libraries are books. On the other hand, librarians indicate that
journals (2.43) and computer resources (1.92) are not very adequate while the lecturers
indicate they are adequate with mean weights of 3.15 and 2.94 respectively. The two
respondents also have different views about the adequacy of magazines with mean
S/N INFORMTION
RESOURCES
LECTURERS N= 298 LIBRARIANS N= 37
VA A NA NVA Mean Decision VA A NA NVA Mean Decision
1 Books 220 52 28 - 3.65 A 8 16 6 - 3.03 A
2 Reference
materials
93 171 27 7 3.17 A 5 20 4 1 2.95 A
3 Journals 58 175 38 7 3.15 A 2 11 14 1 2.43 R
4 Computer
Resources
76 141 67 14 2.94 A - 6 11 11 1.92 R
5 Periodicals 40 123 119 16 2.63 A 4 23 5 - 2.57 A
6 Manuscripts 31 72 175 20 2.38 R - - 14 13 1.65 R
7 Tapes(audio and
video)
28 107 114 49 2.38 R - 4 12 14 1.35 R
8 Government
Publication
40 65 156 37 2.36 R 1 3 23 - 2.14 R
9 Microfilms 33 52 190 16 2.30 R - - 14 15 1.16 R
10 Magazines 7 64 88 139 1.80 R 4 23 5 - 2.57 A
weights of 1.80 and 2.57 respectively. The result also shows that
manuscripts(2.38,1.65),Tapes(2.38,1.35),government publications(2.36,2.14),microfilms
(2.30,1.16) are not very adequate.
Research Question 2: What are the methods of acquisition of information
resources of the polytechnic libraries?
Table 2: Methods of acquisition of information resources. N = 37
S/n Methods of acquisition of
Resources
Frequency Percentage Total no of
Respondents
1 Gifts 36 97.3% 37
2 Purchase 36 97.3% 37
3 Donation 10 27.0% 37
4 Exchanges - - 37
An analysis of the responses indicates that 97.3% of the respondents acquire information
materials by gifts and purchase. Ten percent (27.0%) of the respondents acquire materials
through donation
Research Question 3: How current are the collections of the Polytechnic Libraries?
Table 3: Currency of library materials
S/N Information
Resources
Lecturers= 298 Librarians= 37
F
(C)
% F
(NC)
% F
(C)
% F
(NC)
%
1 Ref.Materials 265 88.9% 46 15.4% 22 59.5% 13 35.1%
2 Books 252 84.6% 33 11.1% 19 51.4% 6 16.2%
3 Journals 242 81.2% 56 18.8% 13 35% 14 37.8%
4 Gov’t
publication
198 66.4% 100 33.6% 5 13.5% 11 29.7%
5 Periodicals 186 62.4% 112 37.6% - - 30 81.1%
6 Manuscripts 153 51.3% 145 51.3% 7 18.95 19 51.4%
7 Microfilms 131 44% 167 56% 11 29.7% 10 27.0%
8 Computer
resources
153 51.3% 77 25.8% 4 10.8% 28 75.75
9 Magazines 167 56% 75 25.2% - - 30 81.1%
10 Tapes (audio
and video)
126 42.3% 116 38.9% 3 8.1% 30 81.1%
Key- C- current, NC- not current
From table 3, it was discovered that Books, Reference materials and Journals are
more current than government publication, periodicals, manuscripts, microfilms,
computer resources, magazines and tapes(audio and video) looking at the responses of
the lecturers and librarians. Their percentages are 88.9%, 84.6%, 81.2% for lecturers and
59.5%, 51.4% and 35% for librarians. From the responses of Librarians, it was
discovered that periodicals and magazines are not current with their percentages as 81.1%
and 81.1% respectively.
Research Question 4: What are the collection development policies available in the
libraries?
Table 4: Availability of collection development policies. N= 37
S/n Library Practices Frequency
YES
Percentage Frequency
NO
Percentage
1 Acquisition 15 40.5% 3 8.1%
2 Selection 1 2.7% 1 2.7
3 Gifts and Exchanges 2 5.4% 3 8.1%
4 Weeding 1 2.7% - -
The table 4 indicates that the Libraries under study have collection development
policy in the area of acquisition (40.5%). However, according to the responses from
librarians, selection, gift and exchanges and weeding has 2.7%, 5.4%, and 2.7%
respectively, which shows a low response rate on availability of collection development
policies in those areas.
Research Question 5: What are the problems encountered in developing the
collections of the polytechnic libraries?
Table 5: Problems affecting collection building. N =298, N= 37
S/N Problems affecting
collection building
SA A D SD Mean Decision
1 Outdated materials 38 92 53 115 2.18 R
2 Problem of storage
facilities
24 105 111 58 2.32 R
3 Materials not relevant
to the Polytechnics
curricular
18 112 118 50 2.33 R
4 Worn out materials 79 56 87 76 2.46 A
5 Inadequate
Professionals/librarians
94 85 31 88 2.78 A
6 Duplication of titles 130 144 17 7 3.33 A
7 Lack of funds 24 7 - - 3.16 A
8 Lack `of collection
development policy
26 7 - - 3.38 A
9 Lack of cooperation
from parent
organization
17 14 3 - 3.14 A
10 Resistance to change 9 16 6 - 2.59 A
Table 5 depicts a picture of the problems librarians and lecturers encounter in
developing and acquiring information from their libraries. The table revealed in a
descending order that they encountered lack of collection development policy (3.38),
duplication of titles (3.33), lack of funds (3.16), lack of cooperation from parent
organization (3.14), inadequate professional/Librarians (2.78), resistance to change
(2.59), worn out materials (2.46), materials not relevant to the Polytechnics curricular
(2.33), problem of storage facilities (2.32) and out dated materials (2.18). From the table,
it shows that lack of collection development and duplication of titles is a predominant
problem based on the mean score on librarians and lecturers.
Research Question 6: What are the strategies that could be used to enhance the
acquisition practices of the libraries under study?
Table 6: Strategies for effective acquisition practices. N = 298, N=37.
S/N Strategies for
effective
acquisition
Practices
SA A D SD Mean Decision
1 The collection
development
policy of the
library should
be followed
265 23 10 - 3.86 A
2 Good record of
resources
available should
be kept
278 10 10 - 3.71 A
3 Staff training 221 67 10 - 3.71 A
4 Provision of
grants and aids
by government
and parent
organization to
the library
199 93 6 - 3.65 A
5 Adequate
feedback should
be rendered to
the library
authorities
167 131 - - 3.56 A
6 Effective
communication
between
librarians and
users
153 81 64 - 3.30 A
7 Librarians
change of
attitude towards
collection
development
25 7 - - 3.27 A
8 Provision of
sufficient funds
by government
18 14 2 - 3.19 A
9 Employment of
qualified
librarians by
polytechnics
20 12 - 2 3.19 A
The data analyzed in table 6 indicates that in order to improve acquisition
practices in Polytechnic libraries, the collection development policy should be followed
(3.86), good records of resources available should be kept (3.71), staff training and
orientation should be held (3.71), provision of grants and aids by government and parent
organization to the library(3.65), adequate feedback should be rendered to the library and
authorities (3.56), effective communication between librarians and users (3.30), librarians
change of attitude towards collection development (3.27), provision of sufficient funds by
government (3.19), and employment of qualified librarians by Polytechnics. The table
also indicates that strategies such as the collection development policy should be
followed (3.86) and employment of qualified librarians by Polytechnics (3.19) has the
highest and lowest response respectively.
Summary of findings
The following findings can be deduced from the study. The total number of 298
lecturers and 37 librarians in Polytechnics in South East Nigeria located in Abia, Imo,
Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi were studied. Out of the population of 330 lecturers, two
hundred and ninety eight (298) respondents were sampled. However, all the 37 librarians
in the institutions were used as sample. The study revealed that books, reference
materials and periodicals are more adequate in relation to the curriculum of the
Polytechnics more than other information materials. The study shows that books are the
most adequate information material. The results showed that collection development
policy is available in these libraries, but the policy embraces only acquisition. The study
also indicated that problem of storage facilities, resistance to change, lack of funds, lack
of collection development policy, outdated materials, lack of cooperation from parent
organization, inadequate professionals/librarians, materials not relevant to the
Polytechnic curricular and duplication of titles constitute major problems of collection
development. The result shows that employment of qualified librarians, provision of
collection development policy, effective communication between librarians and users,
staff training and orientation, provision of grants and aids by the government, individuals
and parent organizations to the library, librarians change of attitude towards collection
development, adequate feedback to the library authorities and keeping good record of
resources available are strategies that could enhance acquisition and collection building.
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter deals with discussion of findings, the implications of the study,
recommendations, limitations of the study and suggestions for further research and
conclusion.
Discussion of Findings
The discussion of the findings of the study is organized under the following headings:
Adequacy of the collections of the Polytechnic Libraries in South-East Nigeria.
The study revealed that the most adequate information resources in these
libraries are books (textbooks). This is quite revealing and the finding shows that
textbooks as a library resource is quite indispensable in any library. These finding seem
to agree with an earlier observation made by Oyegade,(2003) that books are of great
value as well as veritable means of proficiency and excellence in all human endeavours.
Owing to the growing nature of knowledge, Polytechnic libraries especially in the
developing countries should increase the number of other forms of information materials
more especially Government publications, manuscripts, magazines, microfilms,
tapes(audio and video) and journals to meet the standards of the Polytechnic and
satisfaction of users.
Methods of acquisition of Information materials in the Polytechnic Libraries
In finding out the methods of acquisition of information materials, the result
revealed that in the entire Polytechnics studied, information materials are acquired mainly
by gifts and purchase. This concurs with the views of Magril and Corbin (1989) that for
many libraries, gifts materials have been very important in building library collections.
This also agrees with the findings of Ajidahun (2008) who found that the acquisition of
books in the forty two (42) Universities he studied is mainly through purchase. Hence
adequate care should be taken in selecting and acquiring up to date materials through
these means of acquisition. Majority of the respondents in the Polytechnic libraries do not
indicate that they get donations from individuals, government or international
organizations and when they do; most of them are not very useful. This finding is in line
with the view of Njuguna, 2000 that some of the donations are very useful, while the
majority is not. Therefore, libraries should screen information materials that come in
through donations in other to avoid outdated materials.
Currency of Materials of Polytechnic Libraries in South-East Nigeria
Findings from the study revealed the currency of materials in the Polytechnic
libraries. It was found out that books, reference materials and journals are more current
than other information materials available in the Polytechnic libraries. It is not surprising
to note that most users of the library consult these materials more often because of their
currency. This is in contrast with the views of Garber (1998) who emphasized that the
increasing cost of books and journals with decreasing government support has reduced
many libraries to museum-like repositories of outdated books. In addition, enough
budgets should be mapped out for the purchase of current/up to date materials.
Collection Development Policies
From the results of the study, a collection development policy is available but
encompasses only the area of acquisition. This finding supports the view of Ifidon (1997)
who perceives that a functional collection development policy is to provide guidance to
staff when selecting and deselecting resources for the local collection. He further opines
that it serves as a guideline for acquisition. It was also discovered that collection
development policies are not very effective in these libraries. In other wards, written
acquisition policies should be available in Polytechnic libraries and academic libraries at
large and these policies should strictly be followed when selecting and deselecting library
resources.
Problems encountered in developing Library collection.
From the result of the study which invariably were derived from the respondents in
research question 5, the following factors were identified: Lack of funds, Lack of
cooperation from parent organization, problem of storage facilities, duplication of titles,
worn out materials, Inadequate professionals/librarians, lack of collection development
policy, materials not relevant to the polytechnics curricular and resistance to change.
These findings are in consonance with some of the problems pointed out by Ogbonna
(2000) which include: preservation problems, accommodation, poor funding, lack of
collection development policy, lack of written development policy, lack of equipment
and facilities. He further mentions that the obligations of libraries cannot be totally
fulfilled unless there is adequate fund for the library. The problem of funding supports
the view of Ajibero (2004) and Sawyer (2005) who concurs that lack of funds from
various governments has been noted as one of the causes for poor performance of
academic libraries. This finding shows that serious attention should be made in these
libraries to correct these identified problems. These problems can be remedied if
solutions are approached through the above perspective.
Strategies that can be adopted to improve acquisition practices.
On the issue of strategies that can improve acquisition practices, the respondents
agreed that all the strategies suggested ranging from training and orientation of staff,
provision of grants and aids by government, effective communication between librarians
and users, training of staff, provision of collection development policy, adequate
feedback, librarians’ change of attitude towards collection development are appropriate
for effective collection development. The issue of providing collection development
policy supports Hazen(1995)’s view that a collection development policy serves as a
contract with users which demonstrate the individual within what they can expect of the
library both in terms of collections and of the service. A thorough planning and execution
by librarians in developing current and adequate information resources that will embrace
the curriculum of the Polytechnics is also recommended. The researcher believes that
these mentioned problems are the crux of the matter rather than misplacement of priority
by management.
Implications of the study
Findings from the study show that information materials available in these libraries
are adequate but there is need to increase the number of materials such as Government
publications, microfilms, manuscripts, magazines and tapes (audio and video) and
journals. There is also the possibility that if such materials are not very adequate and
current, students and users of the library may be lagging behind. This will of course
affect the currency and recency of their research output and the speed at which it is
published. The study also reveals that lack of collection development policy in the area of
weeding, gifts and exchanges and selection poses a lot of problems in collection building
and evaluation. The process of collection development will not be fully implemented if
there are no written policies guiding these library practices. It was discovered that
information materials are acquired mainly through gifts and purchase. This implies that
there is the need to embrace other avenues of acquiring information such as donations
and exchanges in order to enhance their collections. The implication is also that the
libraries may be flooded with books and information materials not relevant to the
curriculum of the institutions.
Inadequate professionals/librarians, resisitance to change, out dated materials, lack
of cooperation from parent organizations, worn out materials, duplication of titles and
lack of collection development policy were among the major constraints libraries faced in
developing their collection. The implication is that if library administrators do not
adequately plan for provision of sufficient funds, staff training and orientation, effective
communication between librarians and users, effective documentation of library records,
employment of qualified librarians, this will lead to low quality of lecturers and students
research activities/output.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made.
Libraries should have a written collection development policy that will embrace
acquisition, selection, weeding, gifts and exchanges. This will facilitate a
consistent and balanced growth of the library resources.
There should be constant staff training /orientation on the issues of acquisition
practices and evaluation.
Librarians should consult with academic staff in order to get information on the
institutions curriculum thus acquiring materials that will suit the curriculum.
Library collection should be evaluated quarterly instead of annually.
Polytechnic libraries should employ more qualified librarians to meet with the
growing needs of the clients.
There is need to provide adequate space for Polytechnic libraries to enable them
have archives where they can deposit outdated materials.
Emphasis should be made on training of librarians in order to acquire all the skills
on acquisition and collection development. There should be provision of on the
job training for librarians especially acquisitions librarians.
Polytechnic libraries should seek for more financial aid from donor organizations.
Polytechnic administrators should request for education Trust fund to include the
provision of current and adequate collections.
Limitations of the study
The researcher encountered a number of problems in the course of carrying out this
study. The attitude of the respondents towards filling the questionnaire was not
encouraging. The researcher had to travel severally to the Polytechnics for distribution
and subsequent collection of the questionnaire. Some of the questionnaire (but very few)
were not completed, and as such could not be used by the researcher.However, the
researcher was able to collect enough number of completed questionnaires. The number
of questionnaire that was not retrieved was not enough to affect the validity of the study.
Suggestions for further research
This restricted area therefore opens the door for more investigation into this area in
Nigerian context with respect to other academic institutions. The following areas for
further studies are suggested.
Accessing the adequacy of information resources in academic libraries.
The influence of collection evaluation on academic libraries.
Utilization of collection development training of librarians in academic
institutions: implications and challenges.
Conclusion
It should be noted that adequate and effective evaluation of acquisition practices
and collection development in Polytechnic Libraries and academic libraries at large could
effectively support and improve a wide range of librarians, lecturers and students
research output.
This study has attempted to evaluate the adequacy of materials, methods of
acquisition, currency of materials, availability of collection development policies,
challenges and strategies that could enhance the acquisition practices of Polytechnic
libraries in south-east zone of Nigeria. Findings from the study have shown that
information resources in these Polytechnic libraries such as books, reference materials,
journals, computer resources and periodicals are adequate hence there should be an
increased number of materials such as manuscripts, tapes (audio and video), Government
publication, microfilms and magazines. The study revealed that majority of their
materials are current such as books, reference materials, journals and the collection
development policy available encompasses acquisition. The Polytechnic libraries acquire
their materials through purchase and gifts; hence they are advised to consider other
avenues such as donations and exchanges in order to have adequate information
materials.
Notwithstanding all the benefits inherent in having a good collection, there are
still a lot of problems militating against developing a good collection in Nigerian
Polytechnic libraries such as duplication of titles, inadequate professionals/librarians,
resistance to change, outdated materials, lack of funds and lack of collection development
policy among others. In order to achieve an effective and efficient library, adequate
attention must be given to the strategies and recommendation given in the study.
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APPENDIX I
Table 1: Population size of Lecturers and Librarians
S/N POLYTECHNIC NO OF
LECTURERS
NO OF
LIBRARIANS
GRAND
TOTAL
1 Abia Polytechnic,Aba 410 7 417
2 Federal
Polytechnic,Nekede
350 9 359
3 Institute of management
technology,Enugu
300 6 306
4 Akanu Ibiam Federal
Polytechnic,Uwana,Ebonyi
270 8 278
5 Federal Polytechnic,Oko 320 7 327
GRAND TOTAL 1650 37 1687
APPENDIX II
QUESTIONNAIRE
EVALUATION OF ACQUISITION PRACTICES IN POLYTECHNICS
QUESTIONNAIRE (EAPPQ)
RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE FOR LECTURERS IN THE POLYTECHNICS
UNDER STUDY
Department of library and information Science,
University of Nigeria,
Nsukka.
Dear Respondents,
I am a masters degree student in Library and Information Science, University of
Nigeria, Nsukka.
This research questionnaire is prepared for collection of data of the study:
Evaluation Acquisition Practices in Polytechnics in South-Eastern Nigeria.
Please kindly provide answers to these questions as truthfully as you can. All
answers provided here will be purely used for research purpose.
Thanks in anticipation for your cooporation and God bless.
Yours sincerely,
Diogu,Chinwendu.C.
Tick (√) in the boxes provided to indicate your opinion and supply answer(s) in the space
provided against suggestions where necessary.
1. What is your designation?
Principal Lecturer ( ) Senior Lecturer ( )
Lecturer 1 ( ) Assistant Lecturer ( )
2. Please indicate your Faculty? ......................................................
3. Please indicate your Department ……………………………………….
SECTION A: ADEQUACY OF LIBRARY COLLECTION
1. How adequate are the collections of the Polytechnic Libraries?
S/N INFORMATION MATERIALS VA A NA NVA
1 Books
2 Reference Materials
3 Journals
4 Government publication
5 Manuscripts
6 Microfilms
7 Computer Resources
8 Tapes(audio and video)
9 Periodicals
10 Magazines
KEY: VA-very adequate, A-adequate, NA-not adequate, NVA-not very adequate
SECTION B: EXTENT OF CURRENCY OF MATERIALS IN
THE POLYTECHNIC LIBRARY.
2. How current do you find these information materials?
S/N LIBRARY MATERIALS C NC
1 Books
2. Reference materials
3 Journals
4 Government publications
5 Periodicals
6 Manuscripts
7 Microfilms
8 Computer Resources
9 Magazines
10 Tapes(Audio and Video)
C-current, NC-not current.
3. How effective is the Library collection?
FE E NE VE
FE- fairly effective, E- effective, NE-not effective, VE-very effective
SECTION C: PROBLEMS
4 What problems have you experienced with regards to getting information
from your Library?
S/N PROBLEMS SA A D SD
1 Out dated materials
2 Worn out materials
3 Problem of storage facilities
4 Materials not relevant to the polytechnic curricular
5 Inadequate Library professionals
6 Duplication of titles
7 Others(Specify)
SECTION D: STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVEMENT.
5 How can these problems be solved?
S/N SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS SA A D SD
1 Effective communication between Librarians and
users
2 The collection development policy of the Library
should be followed
3 Good records of resources available should be kept
4 Staff training and orientation
5 Provision of grants and aids by the government and
parent organization to the library
6 Adequate feedback should be rendered to the
library authorities
7 Other Problem(specify)
QUESTIONNAIRE
EVALUATION OF ACQUISITION PRACTICES IN POLYTECHNICS
QUESTIONNAIRE (EAPPQ)
RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE FOR LIBRARIANS IN THE
POLYTECHNICS UNDER STUDY
Department of Library and Information Science,
University of Nigeria,
Nsukka.
Dear Respondents,
I am a Masters Degree student of Library and Information Science, University of
Nigeria, Nsukka.
This research questionnaire is prepared for collection of data of the study:
Evaluation of Acquisition Practices in Polytechnics in South-Eastern Nigeria.
Please kindly provide answers to these questions as truthfully as you can. All
answers provided will be purely used for research purpose.
Thanks for your cooperation.
Yours sincerely,
Diogu, C.C
Tick (√) in boxes provided to indicate your opinions and supply answer(s) in the space
provided against suggestions where necessary.
i What is your designation?
Collection development Librarian [ ] Serials Librarian [ ] Acquisitions Librarian [ ]
Chief Librarian [ ] Circulations Librarian [ ]
ii How long have you worked in the Library?
1-5yrs [ ] 6-10yrs [ ] 10-15yrs [ ] 15-20yrs [ ] 20-25yrs [ ]
SECTION A: ADEQUACY OF THE COLLECTION IN RELATION TO THE
CURRICULAR OF THE POLTECHNIC
1. How adequate are the collections of the Library?
S/N INFORMATION MATERIALS VA A NA NVA
1 Books
2 Reference Materials
3 Journals
4 Government Publications
5 Manuscripts
6 Microfilms
7 Computer Resources
8 Tapes(audio and video)
9 Periodicals
10 Magazines
VA-very adequate, A-adequate, NA-not adequate, NVA-not very adequate
SECTION B: ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION MATERIALS
2. Your information materials are acquired in the following ways
S/N NO YES
1 Gifts
2 Purchase
3 Donations
4 Exchanges
5 Any other(Specify)
3. What type of Information materials do you acquire?
S/N INFORMATION MATERIALS YES NO
1 Books
2 Reference
Materials(Dictionaries,Encyclopedias,yearbooks,reports,etc
3 Journals
4 Government Publication
5 Manuscripts
6 Microfilms
7 Computer Resources
8 Tapes(audio and video)
9 Periodicals
10 Magazines
SECTION C: CURRENCY OF INFORMATION RESOURCES
4. How can you assess the quality of these information resources in terms of currency?
S/N INFORMATION RESOURCES C NC
1 Books
2 Reference Materials
3 Journals
4 Government Publication
5 Manuscripts
6 Microfilms
7 Computer Resources
8 Tapes(audio and video)
9 Periodicals
10 Magazines
C- current, NC-not current
SECTION D: COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY
4. Does your Library have a collection development policy?
Yes [ ] No [ ]
5. If yes, does the policy cover the following practices?
S/N Collection Development Practices YES NO
1 Acquisition
2 Selection
3 Gift and Exchanges
4 Weeding
5 Others(Specify)
5. Who are the participants in the area of Collection Development?
a Collection Development Librarian [ ]
b. Chief Librarian [ ]
c Acquisitions Librarian [ ]
d Parent Body [ ]
e. Users of the Library [ ]
SECTION E: EVALUTION PROCESS
5. Do you evaluate your collections?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]
6. Which of the following professionals are involved in the evaluation of the Library
collection?
Chief Librarian [ ]
Collection Development Librarian [ ]
Serials Librarian [ ]
Circulations Librarian [ ]
Acquisitions Librarian [ ]
Academic Staff [ ]
Parent Organization [ ]
Others (Specify)-----------------------------------------------
7. How often is the evaluation process carried out?
A Q D W Any Other
A-annually, Q- quarterly, D-daily, W-weekly
SECTION F: PROBLEMS
8. What constraint does your Library face in developing your collection?
S/N CONSTRAINTS SA A D SD
1 Inadequate professionals/librarians
2 Resistance to change
3 Problem of storage facilities
4 Out dated materials
5 Lack of cooperation from parent organization
6 Worn out materials
7 Lack of funds
8 Lack of collection development policy
9 Lack of seriousness to work
10 Other problems(specify)
SECTION G: STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVEMENT
9. Which of the following strategies can be employed in solving the problems
encountered in acquisition?
S/N SOLUTION TO THESE PROBLEMS SA A D SD
1 Employment of qualified Librarians by the
Polytechnic
2 Librarians change of attitude towards collection
development
3 Provision of sufficient funds by the Government
4 Staff training and orientation
5 Provision of grants and aids by the Government,
individuals and parent organizations to the Library
6 Adequate feedback should be rendered to the Library
authority by users.
7 Effective communication between Librarians and
users.
8 Provision of collection development policy
9 Other solutions(Specify)
