Survey of collection development practices in university libraries; case study of Ajayi Crowther University Library,Oyo, Oyo State



ABSTRACT

This
research work examined in detail the collection development practices in
university libraries using T.Y Danjuma Library, Ajayi Crowther University as a
case study in carrying out this research work. A descriptive survey design was
adopted in carrying out the study. To achieve this goal the study employed a
primary data, by administering a structured questionnaire for 55 Professional
librarians and lecturers. Data was analyzed using frequency counts and simple
percentage distribution. The result also shows that information materials are
acquired mainly by gifts and purchase. 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 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, and librarians should
consult with lecturers in order to get information on the institutions
curriculum thus acquiring materials that will suit the curriculum. From the
findings of the study, it was concluded that top challenge of collection
development practices in universities was funding, storage problem and staff
resistance to change each of which needs management urgent attention  for effective service delivery to library
clientele.




ABSTRACT



This
research work examined in detail the collection development practices in
university libraries using T.Y Danjuma Library, Ajayi Crowther University as a
case study in carrying out this research work. A descriptive survey design was
adopted in carrying out the study. To achieve this goal the study employed a
primary data, by administering a structured questionnaire for 55 Professional
librarians and lecturers. Data was analyzed using frequency counts and simple
percentage distribution. The result also shows that information materials are
acquired mainly by gifts and purchase. 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 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, and librarians should
consult with lecturers in order to get information on the institutions
curriculum thus acquiring materials that will suit the curriculum. From the
findings of the study, it was concluded that top challenge of collection
development practices in universities was funding, storage problem and staff
resistance to change each of which needs management urgent attention  for effective service delivery to library
clientele.

5 chapters

References

questionnaire