Book Acquisition In Academic Libraries Sources And Methods
(A Case Study Of Imo State Polytechnic Library Umagwo)
Book acquisition in academic libraries refers to the strategic process of obtaining new books to enhance the library’s collection and support the diverse academic needs of its users. This multifaceted endeavor involves meticulous selection, procurement, and cataloging of relevant materials to ensure the library remains a dynamic resource hub. Various sources and methods play a crucial role in this undertaking. Librarians often utilize subscription databases, scholarly publishers, and reputable book vendors to identify and acquire scholarly publications that align with the institution’s curriculum and research focus. Additionally, interlibrary loan systems facilitate access to materials not readily available within the library’s existing collection. Collaborative efforts with faculty members and students contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the academic community’s evolving needs, guiding the acquisition process. Efficient book acquisition, therefore, demands a proactive engagement with diverse sources and methods to curate a collection that fosters intellectual growth and academic excellence.
This work is on book acquisition in academic libraries sources and methods. A case study of Imo state Polytechnic Library Umuagwo. It emphasized the need for acquisition of library materials for its primary clientele 8 questionnaires forms were administered to the institution under study. It was formed out that the institution under study their library involves in acquisition of library materials. Chapter two reviews what the topic is talking about. Chapter three deals with the methods adopted in the research work, findings and discussion were outlined, it is observed from the finding that the library acquire their materials through gift exchange, purchase etc. Recommendations were made on how to improve and maintain the acquisition department. It also recommend on how to ensure effective and relevant materials to its users.
Title Page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table Of Contents
Chapter One
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background/History Of The Study
1.2 Statement Of Problem
1.3 Objectives Of The Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Scope And Limitation Of The Study
1.6 Significance Of The Study
1.8 Definition Of Terms
Chapter Two
2.0 Literature Review
Chapter Three
3.0 Research Methodology
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Population Of Study
3.3 Sample Size
3.4 Data Collection Instrument
3.5 Method Of Data Analysis
Chapter Four
4.0 Presentation, Data Analysis And Interpretation Of Data
Chapter Five
5.0 Summary Of Findings, Conclusion And Recommendation
5.1 Summary Finding
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Recommendation
Bibliography
Appendix
Questionnaire
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The main objective of establishing any library is to satisfy the needs of its clientele by providing the aim of setting up a library in nay institution through its selection and acquisition of materials, adequate collection required by the users should be made available to them atg the right time.
Selection as the process of choosing library materials to satisfy the needs for inclusion in a library with a view to providing a balanced increase to the stock. (Anyanwu, Amadi and Zander, 2006) according to Nwalo, (2003) Book selection is he art of choosing items to be acquired from a list of publication in every library of any university, there should be a specific policy with regard to selection of materials. This policy should specify the type and range of items to be selected and acquired and reflect the objectives of the parents institution.
Acquisition can be define as the process of obtaining library materials to satisfy the needs of users, and its work, it’s a means by which books and non-books materials are added to the library.
Moreover, the essence of selection and acquisition of library materials in academic libraries is to know the materials relevant to them. Selection of library materials is important because of literature explosion, reduction in library budget, reduction in income of library users. Good selectors should aim, at satisfying existing demand, anticipate future needs by users and ensure that good quality materials are provided, avoid bias in selection and ensure that the right kind of materials are provided at the right time.
Eguaron (2002) identified processes involved in books selection by one person, selection meeting/selection committee and specialized group.
In selecting/acquisition of materials for academic libraries you must consider the aims and objectives of the institution, the number of department and subject areas. The number of faculty member’s research and teaching needs and the nature of materials required in terms of books and non-book materials. In academic library, materials selected/acquired are meant to cater the support of the curriculum, which means the impute/attribute of the teaching staff is usually required in selecting appropriate materials for the students in most academic libraries the library committee carries out the selection of library materials.
Furthermore, in acquisition, of times acquisition librarian is included in selection in acquisition, their responsibility is also in selection of library materials.
However, in academic libraries the acquired materials are jointly done by members of faculty and the library in any case any of the users of the library can acquire materials for the consideration of library, perhaps this is the only contact a library users may have with this part of the library. The academic acquired their materials by gift direct purchase, exchange and professional association. This can be of books and other library materials, which include periodicals serials, government publication, pamphlets, technical and research reports, micro-forms and microfilms, audio-visual materials and also academic libraries source their supply of library books through publisher, jobbers/whole seller /exhibition.
Oduagwu (2002) explains selection and acquisition of library materials depends on the kind of library since each library is interested in serving primary its clientele which could be homogenous or heterogonous. The most important function here is the systematic way, techniques in guiding against buying materials which deserve no spare on their shelves.
Emanuel Anyanwu, Enyinnah Zander and Emmanuel Amadi (2006) identified the channels or methods of acquisition of library materials through, purchase, gift and exchange, legal deposit, professional associations.
Finally Isaac , Nnadimele.O (2005) specified some of the problems facing our selected and acquired materials by some of the Nigerian vendors who may not supply libraries when the materials are in great demand. The main problem of acquisition is associated with the fact that vast major materials are produce out side the country. The procurement material is produced outside the country. The procurement of foreign books and other materials continually expose the procuring of library materials to foreign exchange problems in selection/acquisition untrained or in experienced staff can be problematic, which means, it needs one who knows much about the field of study.
1.2 HISTORY OF IMO POLYTECHNIC UMUAGWO
The Imo state polytechnic Umuagwo. Ohaji (formerly know as (Imo state of Agriculture) was established in the year 1978 by the Imo state government as an arm of the ministry of Agriculture and natural resources, with the responsibility of producing agriculturists of middle level cadre, for the prosecution of the states agricultural policies.
The polytechnic became an autonomous institution with a governing council under edict No 11 of 1979 (Law) it metamorphosed to Michael Okpara of Agriculture and technology (Mocatech) Umuagwo in 2005 following the institution of an administrative panel by the government of chief Achike Udenwa in March 30th 2004 to review the curricular and the structure of the polytechnic with a view to improving its operational capabilities. The institution was established to provide courses of study, training and research as well as development of technique and skills in all branches of agriculture and technology of a standard leading to the award of National Diploma (ND) and Higher Diploma (HND) in addition. It provides courses in areas of pre-nd assonate certificates and other short course which are mounted periodically to improve the skills and techniques of agricultural personnel and farmers. It is on record that the institution was first of agriculture in Nigeria to have its programme accredited by the National Board of Technical Education (N.B.T.E) in 1983. the institution was finally up graded to a polytechnic status (Imo state polytechnic) in 2007 following the signing into law of bill passed by the Imo state house of assembly by his Excellency, former Executive Governor of Imo state polytechnic law. No 11 of 2007 amended the Edict No 11 of 1979 that established the institution has kept faith with its mandate of training highly skilled manpower for the development of the nations agricultural and technological sectors. About 60% of their Diplomats are self-employed while the remaining 40% are employed in the various establishments such as educational institutions. Ministries, Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) financial institutions oil companies, military and Para-military organizations among others. The polytechnic is located on 360 lectures of land, donated by the Umuagwo community in the Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta local government area of Imo state. It is sited at 26 killometres form the Owerri capital territory, on the Owerrij-port Harcourt road.
Imo state polytechnic is recognized in the comity of polytechnics in Nigeria national and international agencies such as NBTE, Jamb, NYSC, federal scholarship board and ETF.
The polytechnic status of the institution has brought about several structural and physical development as well as re-organization of coursed and the introduction of new academic programmes.
1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Sources and method acquisition of library materials are very essential in ensuring that users obtain the relevant materials they need. It is unfortunate that at times of the lecturer and students are not involved in the acquisition of library materials with the result that books that are not relevant to the needs of the users are selected/ acquired in the library.
Also some libraries choose to acquire materials through book stores/retailers there by risking the originality of such materials which might be pirated materials in most cases the management of institution single handedly select and acquire library materials which sometimes might not be a quality materials.
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The objectives of this study are as follow
1. To find the sources/method of acquisition in academic libraries
2. To describe/Explain the meaning of selection and acquisition
3. To identify the tools for selection and acquisition of library materials
4. to find out factors that hinder selection and acquisition f library materials.
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIUON
1. What is the meaning of selection and acquisition of library materials?
2. What are the sources and method of acquisition of materials in academic libraries?
3. What is the type of materials selected/acquired for the library users?
4. Who are involved in selection/acquisition of library materials?
5. What are the criteria’s for selection and acquisition of library materials in academic libraries?
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of the study is well stated by Anyanwu Amadi and Zander (2006) when the said that the purpose of any scholarly institution library codification is through selection and acquisition of library materials, in order to satisfy the needs of it clientele.
According to Nwalo (2003) he explained that there should be a specified type and range of items to be selected and acquired, their sources and method of acquisition, in other to reflect the objective of the parents institution. Thus the study is of a high, through its emphasis on the methods and sources of acquisition of library material in academic library. To a large extent the significance of the study is enormous in view that, the findings and recommendations from this study will facilitate in solving the libraries problem.
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS
1. SELECTION: This is the act of choosing it materials to be acquired form a list publication.
2. ACADEMIC LIBRARY: They are those libraries attached to institutions of higher learning e.g. universities, polytechnics colleges of education etc. it is established, maintained and administered by the institution if higher learning with the support of its parent institution.
3. ACQUISITION: Is the art of bringing physical materials into the library either through purchase, gifts, inter-loan or exchange or through deposits. It can also be seen as the gaining of something for oneself or others.
Book Acquisition In Academic Libraries Sources And Methods:
Academic libraries acquire books through various sources and methods to build and maintain their collections. Here are some common sources and methods for book acquisition in academic libraries:
- Library Vendors: Academic libraries often establish contracts with library vendors or book jobbers. These vendors provide access to a wide range of publishers and titles, allowing libraries to order books directly from them. Some well-known library vendors include Baker & Taylor, Ingram, and GOBI (Global Online Bibliographic Information).
- Publisher Direct Ordering: Libraries can order books directly from publishers, especially for specialized or niche publications. Publishers may offer discounts or special terms to libraries for bulk purchases or standing orders.
- Approval Plans: Many academic libraries use approval plans, where a library works with a vendor or publisher to automatically receive books that meet specific criteria. These criteria can be based on subject areas, budget constraints, or other factors.
- Patron Requests: Libraries often encourage patrons, including students and faculty, to request books they would like to see in the collection. These requests are considered when making acquisition decisions.
- Interlibrary Loan (ILL): Academic libraries can borrow books from other libraries through interlibrary loan services. If a requested book is not available in the library’s collection, it can be borrowed from another library.
- Gifts and Donations: Libraries may receive donations of books from individuals, organizations, or faculty members. These donations can expand the library’s collection, although they are typically subject to the library’s selection criteria.
- Electronic Books (eBooks): Many academic libraries acquire eBooks from publishers or eBook aggregators. These eBooks can be accessed by patrons online, and they offer advantages such as remote access and the ability to search within texts.
- Consortium Purchases: Academic libraries often collaborate with other libraries in consortia to negotiate bulk purchases or access to electronic resources, including eBooks and databases. This approach can help libraries save money and offer a wider range of materials to their patrons.
- Specialized Collections: Some academic libraries focus on building specialized collections in areas such as rare books, archives, or special collections. These materials may be acquired through auctions, private sales, or donations from collectors.
- Government Publications: Libraries may acquire government publications, including reports, legislation, and research papers, through government depository programs or by purchasing them directly from government agencies.
- Standing Orders: Libraries may set up standing orders with publishers for specific series or journals, ensuring that they automatically receive new volumes as they are published.
- Acquisitions Budget: Academic libraries allocate a portion of their budget to book acquisitions. The budget is typically determined based on the library’s collection development policy and the needs of its patrons.
The specific methods and sources used by an academic library can vary depending on its size, budget, and collection development goals. Librarians and collection development specialists play a crucial role in selecting, acquiring, and managing the library’s book collection to support the academic and research needs of the institution’s community.