Effects Of Poor Implementation Of Collection Development Policy In Academic Libraries

(A Case Study Of Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri)

5 Chapters
|
45 Pages
|
5,530 Words

The efficacy of an academic library heavily relies on the meticulous implementation of its collection development policy. When this policy is poorly executed, it can lead to a myriad of detrimental effects, impeding the library’s ability to cater effectively to the academic community’s needs. One significant repercussion is a diminished relevance of the library’s collection, as inadequate selection criteria may result in outdated or irrelevant materials being acquired, failing to meet the diverse informational requirements of users. Additionally, a haphazard implementation of the policy may lead to budgetary mismanagement, causing financial strain and limiting the acquisition of essential resources. Furthermore, inconsistencies in the collection development process can result in an imbalance of materials across disciplines, neglecting certain subject areas and undermining the library’s role as a comprehensive knowledge repository. Moreover, a poorly implemented collection development policy may exacerbate issues related to accessibility and inclusivity, failing to adequately address the needs of diverse user groups such as students, faculty, and researchers from varied backgrounds and disciplines. Ultimately, these effects underscore the critical importance of a meticulously executed collection development policy in ensuring the academic library’s efficacy as a vital resource hub for scholarly pursuits.

ABSTRACT

This research is on the effects of poor implementation of collection development policy in academic libraries in Imo State.
In carrying out the project, five research questions and objectives were drawn on the effects of poor implementation of collection development policies; its effectiveness, problems encountered in implementing the policies and the solutions to these problems are X-rayed.
Questionnaire was used in eliciting response from the staff of academic libraries and their response was used for data analysis.
Based on the identified problems of poor implementation of collection development policies, recommendations were made on how the collection development policies problems can be solved and also how the collection development policies can be effectively affected in academic libraries.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title Page
Approval Page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table Of Contents

 

Chapter One
1.0 Introduction

1.1 Historical Background Of Federal Polytechnic Nekede Library
1.2 Historical Background Of Imo State University Library
1.3 Statement Of Problem
1.4 Aim And Purposes Of The Study
1.5 Objective Of The Study
1.6 Research Questions
1.7 Significance Of The Study
1.8 Scope And Limitation Of The Study
1.9 Operational Definition Of Terms

Chapter Two
2.0 Literature Review

Chapter Three
3.0 Research Methodology

3.1 Research Design
3.2 Population Of The Study
3.3 Research Instrument
3.4 Sample Size
3.5 Method Of Data Analysis

Chapter Four
4.0 Data Analysis And Interpretation

Chapter Five
5.0 Conclusion And Recommendation

5.1 Conclusion
5.2 Recommendations
Bibliography
Appendices

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION
The word “library” is derived from the lain word “liber” which means book. It however has many different definitions. According to the united national education “a library” is an organized collection of published book and periodical and services of a staff able to provide and interpreter such materials as are required to meet the informational research, educational or recreational need of its users.
The importance of applying sound and functional policy as regards to collection development in a library cannot be over looked because the well being of the library depend solely on the nature and quality of relevant materials available.
Collection development is the process the library adopts in assembling together different types of materials, which the users may need. It is a term that encompasses member of activities related to the development of the library collection including the determination and co-ordination selection policy.
Collection development can also be defined as the process of planning a stock acquisition programme, not simply to cater for immediate needs but to build a coherent and reliable collection over a number of years to meet objective of the service. Collection development is made up of many elements, which includes community analysis or user study, policies, selection, acquisition, weeding and evaluation.
Amongst all the elements that make-up collection development, the policy that guides it, is the most important because it is the blue print that guides the library in its collection development policy is caries out it’s development. It specifies the kind of materials to be selected, acquisition procedure for evaluation of library material and weeding.
Collection development could be written or unwritten, but written one is better than the unwritten, because it is rigid and states plainly what the library must follow in acquiring material. Collection development policy is made up of many components, which includes: objective of the institution, subject coverage of the materials, types and forms of materials, selection of library materials, sources of purchase, and mode of payment for materials etc.
The absence of a functional collection development policy will place the library in a precarious situation, and such situation if not properly handled, will bring the library services to a near halt.

1.2 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC LIBRARY NEKEDE OWERRI
The federal polytechnic library Nekede, owerri started in 1978 as the Imo state collage of technology, owerri. The Imo state of Nigeria Ediclet No. 16 of 1978 established the institution it took of at its temporary site of the premises of the government technical collage (G.T.C) owerri in the same year by Imo state Government Edict 6 of 1987 the of the institution was changed to the polytechnic Nekede, owerri following the take over of the institution by the federal government with effect from 1 June 1993, the institution name was changed again to the federal polytechnic library Nekede, owerri. The federal polytechnic library Nekede, is accommodated in one location, the ultramodern complex centrally located within the Campus. It is a two (2) storey building on the ground floor is the main circulation (lending) and reference section the photographic unit, bibliographic department, and the polytechnic librarian office the first floor houses books covering various programme in the two (2) schools of business and management technology and general studies.
This floor also accommodated the virtual library, the serial section, the library, conference room and the reading halls. On the second floor are books and document covering discipline in the school of engineering technology and general studies.
This floor also accommodated the virtual library, the serial selection the library conference room and the reading halls. On the second floor are books and documents covering discipline in the school of engineering technology and industrial sciences on the floor too are the project report room, the lecturers research/reading room which also houses past question papers and school curriculum hand books.
DEFINITION OF BASIC CONCEPT SERIALS
Alas glossary defines serials as publication issued successive part usually at regular intervals as a rule intended to be continued indefinitely. ACADEMIC LIBRARY: Academic libraries or libraries in institution of higher learning such as universities, polytechnics, colleges of technology, art and distinctive as the institution which they serve.
SERIAL MANAGEMENT: The management can be defined as the careful organization of all periodicals, annuals, proceedings, transaction of all print and non print materials.

1.3 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Collection development and its policy is one of the major factors that enhance the development of a library and its collection, but unfortunately, it is no longer given proper attention. Some of the libraries that claim to have collection development policy do not implement it, while in some libraries collection development policy is non-existence. This study is undertaken to identify problems hindering the implementation of collection development policy.

1.4 AIMS OR PURPOSES
The aim of this is to fulfill the requirements of obtaining the ordinary national diploma certificate. The purpose of this includes:
1. To serve as a guideline to libraries for implementation of effective collection development policy and also to highlight its importance for libraries where this policy is non-existed.
2. To also guide students/researchers that may wish to carry out further research in this area of study.
Collection development policy: To make some thing that has been officially decided to start to happen or be used.
Effective: producing the result that is wanted or intended.
Growth: To increase in size, number, strength and quality.

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Effects Of Poor Implementation Of Collection Development Policy In Academic Libraries:

The poor implementation of a collection development policy in academic libraries can have several negative effects, which can ultimately impact the quality of education and research support provided by these institutions. Here are some of the key effects:

  1. Inadequate and Unbalanced Collections:
    • Poor implementation may lead to an unbalanced collection that lacks depth and breadth in various subject areas. This can hinder students and researchers from accessing essential resources for their studies and projects.
  2. Outdated Materials:
    • Without proper oversight and adherence to the collection development policy, libraries may continue to hold outdated or irrelevant materials, which take up valuable space and resources.
  3. Wasted Resources:
    • Ineffective implementation can result in the misallocation of library resources. Budgets may be spent on materials that don’t align with the institution’s academic goals or on unnecessary duplicates.
  4. Accessibility Issues:
    • Students and faculty may face difficulties accessing required materials, leading to frustration and potentially hindering their academic progress and research.
  5. Missed Opportunities:
    • A poorly implemented policy may cause libraries to miss out on acquiring important new resources or digital collections that could enhance the educational experience and support research.
  6. Reduced Reputation:
    • Academic libraries are often judged by the quality and relevance of their collections. If a library consistently fails to maintain a high-quality collection, it can damage the institution’s reputation.
  7. Lack of Alignment with Academic Goals:
    • Failure to align the collection with the academic goals and curriculum of the institution can lead to a disconnect between the library and the rest of the academic community.
  8. Inefficiencies in Collection Management:
    • Poorly implemented collection development policies can result in inefficiencies in the management of physical and digital resources, leading to confusion and difficulties in locating materials.
  9. Decreased User Satisfaction:
    • When users cannot find the materials they need or encounter outdated resources, their satisfaction with the library’s services may decline, potentially leading to decreased library usage.
  10. Budgetary Challenges:
    • Ineffective collection management can result in budgetary challenges, as resources may be wasted on unnecessary acquisitions or underused materials, leaving fewer resources available for critical acquisitions.
  11. Compliance Issues:
    • Academic libraries are often required to comply with various legal and ethical guidelines, such as copyright laws and diversity and inclusion initiatives. Poor implementation of collection policies can lead to compliance issues.
  12. Loss of Trust:
    • Users may lose trust in the library’s ability to provide up-to-date and relevant materials, which can lead to decreased support for the library’s initiatives.

To mitigate these negative effects, academic libraries must ensure the effective implementation of their collection development policies. This involves regular assessment, ongoing communication with faculty and students, and a commitment to aligning the collection with the institution’s academic mission and goals.