Problems Of Book Acquisition In Academic Libraries
(A Case Study Of Imo State University Owerri (Imsu)
Academic libraries face numerous challenges in acquiring books, hindering their ability to build comprehensive and dynamic collections that cater to the diverse needs of students and faculty. One significant issue lies in budget constraints, limiting the scope of acquisitions and impeding the procurement of essential resources. Additionally, the evolving landscape of academic disciplines necessitates staying abreast of emerging fields, which proves challenging due to the rapid pace of knowledge expansion. Another hurdle is the intricate process of vendor negotiations and book pricing, which can lead to inflated costs and strained financial resources. Technological advancements, while transformative, also pose a conundrum as libraries grapple with decisions on allocating funds between traditional print materials and digital resources. Balancing the demand for diverse content, from textbooks to scholarly monographs, further complicates acquisition strategies. Consequently, academic libraries must navigate these intricate challenges to ensure their collections remain pertinent and robust in supporting the educational and research needs of their patrons.
This study was based on the Problems of Books Acquisition in Academic Library. A case study of Imo State University Owerri (IMSU).
The study was also made to find out what roles money play in the acquisition of book in the academic libraries. It also determined the level to which students and lecturers are consulted during selection of books to be acquired in their library through the findings it is observed that academic libraries acquires books through purchases gifts, exchange and inter-library cooperation, while the major sources of acquisition include direct purchase, book vendors from publishers, importation from overseas and donations.
Furthermore, inadequate financial provision to academic libraries has a negative effect on the two libraries studied.
Finally, lecturers should be consulted adequately during selection of books to be acquired by their institutions libraries which will help in the smooth running of acquisition of materials.
Title Page
Approval Page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table Of Contents
Chapter One
1.0 Introduction/Background Of Study
1.1 Historical Background Of Imo State University
1.2 Statement Of Problems
1.3 Scope/Limitation Of The Study
1.4 Objective Of The Study
1.5 Research Questions
1.6 Significance Of The Study
1.7 Definition Of Terms
Chapter Two
2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Information Resources Of An Academic Library
2.2 Factors Affecting Book Acquisition In Academic Library
2.3 Sources And Methods Of Book Acquisition In Academic Libraries
2.4 Problems Of Book Acquisition In Academic Libraries
2.5 Solution To Book Acquisition Problems In Academic Libraries
Chapter Three
3.0 Research Methodology
3.1 Research Instrument
3.2 Population Size
3.3 Methods Of Data Analysis
Chapter Four
4.0 Analysis And Interpretation Of Data
Chapter Five
5.0 Conclusion And Recommendation
5.1 Recommendation
Bibliography
Appendix I
Appendix Ii
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Academic libraries are mainly libraries within institutions of higher learning including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. They are billed to support the teaching, research and extension services of parent institutions.
Large part of funding comes from government grant. Academic libraries start as far back as 16th and 17th century in Europe and America.
Therefore, in this study, the researcher will consider book as reference books and non-fiction book.
Reference Books: According to Harrods libraries glossary, reference books is a book such as dictionary, encyclopedia, gazettes, yearbooks, directories, atlases which are compiled to supply definite piece of information of varying extent and intended to be referred to rather than read through. Reference books are usually comprehensive within scope, condensed in treatment and systematically arranged to facilitate ease of use. They are not read chapter by chapter they are not borrowed for home use rather they are consulted by the librarian.
Non-fiction Books: This is the prose writings that deal with facts (as distinct from novels, stories, etc, which deal with unreal people and events, it includes books in various sport areas. Donna Norton is of the view that one should start from who’s who to how to. Examples of reference books encyclopedia, dictionary and text books.
The first three laws of library science by S.R. Ranaganathan emphasizes the importance of a book in the library. The first is that books are meant for use, second, to every reader his book and third to every book its reader, with this special emphasis and importance according to book, it is therefore necessary that books are acquired in any library. In academic libraries, the notion of book acquisition is of prime importance of greater importance too is the method and source through which books are acquired especially fro academic libraries. When the image are what the collection of the library is made up we will not address our minds to the fact that the bulk of this is the various volumes and title of books displayed conspicuously on the library’s shelves. In other words, the book is an essential and important constituent of the academic library to be precise. In academic libraries in Imo State, effective consideration is given to book materials. A lot of books are acquired in academic libraries through various methods and sources.
Evans (1974) definition of acquisition incorporate some of these methods. According to Evans, acquisition is the process of securing materials for the library collection whether by purchase, as gifts or through exchange programme.
There are other methods involved and the acquisition librarian must explore all these method and utilize sources that will be advantageous to him to acquire books for his library. This statement emphasizes the most obvious activity in academic libraries. This activity and its importance is summed up in Fatuji (1982) statement that to provide a plentiful supply of goods and useful books in the college library’s raison d’etre.
Since the academic library feels all the social forces of education, research and services, it provides information materials necessary for aiding this activity by utilizing greatly all available methods and sources for its acquisition of books.
1.2 BACKGROUND HISTORY OF IMO STATE UNIVERSITY
The Imo State University in Uturu was established in 1981 following the bill passed by the late chief Mbakwe’s Administration on the 13th of April 1981. The school was officially opened in Etiti in 1981 with a second campus at Aba on temporary site. The school was later moved to Okigwe by the military administration major general Ike Nwachukwu (rtd).
The establishment of the University grew out of the need for an academic institution of the highest status owned supported and managed by the state in order to attend to the academic vision of Imo indigenes in gaining admission into the university. The first phase of the permanent building for the university was later completed at Okigwe, with an ultra-modern university Okigwe in 1992 following the creation of new Abia State from the old Imo State.
The present Imo State University at Owerri is relocated from the old Imo State University Okigwe. The old University was left to Abia State because of change of asset which resented to Imo State having no university of its own.
The Imo State University now occupies the former temporary site of Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) at Lake Nwaebere Campus, inheriting the physical facilities vacated by the Federal University of Technology Owerri as they move to their permanent site at Ihiagwa.
The objective, philosophy and aspiration of the university includes to encourage the advancement of learning in Imo State and Nigeria in particular to give all person without discriminations of race, sex the opportunity to acquire higher education for the purpose of carrying the philosophy and objective. The university was then known as Evans Ewerem University and its vice chancellor was professor O.E. Nwebe from 2009-May 2011. The university is now known as the Imo State University.
1.3 STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS
The statement of the problems are the issues that make on go into the study for instance, in the olden days most academic libraries do not acquire books rather they depend on gifts, but some gifts given to them does not reflect the need of the institution.
Moreover, most of the staff employed are not qualified librarians and thereby cannot carryout the smooth operation of acquisition and classification.
Also, in some cases some acquisition librarians do not consult the entire library committee before acquiring books.
Furthermore, books acquired from abroad take a long time to arrive and at times they are not useful to readers.
This study is therefore to investigate the methods and sources of boo acquisition in academic libraries to un-earthen the difficulties.
1.4 SCOPE/LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The coverage of the study is restricted to the academic libraries in Imo State that is the Imo State University (IMSU). This study limits its scope only to the acquisition of books in the above mentioned academic libraries excluding periodicals, magazines, etc. which are not book materials.
1.5 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The objectives of this study are listed ad follows:
1. To identify the problems affecting acquisition in academic libraries.
2. To find out the factors that are responsible for these problems.
3. To examine the impacts of these problems on the services of the library under study.
4. To suggest solutions to the problems of acquisition in academic libraries.
1.6 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The following are the research questions:
1. What are the problems affecting acquisition in academic libraries?
2. What are the impacts of these problems on the services of the academic libraries?
3. What are the impacts of these problems on the services of the academic libraries?
4. How can the problems of acquisition can be solved in academic libraries?
1.8 SIGNIICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study is significant for the following reasons.
i. It will highlight the inadequacy of the collection of Nigeria University libraries.
ii. It will enable library users, especially the students and lecturers to beware of these problems.
iii. It can make the financiers of Nigeria University libraries to understand the problems that confront these libraries in acquisition.
iv. It will identify how to solve thee acquisition problems.
v. The work will also add to the library science.
1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Book Acquisition: It is the process of obtaining materials to satisfy the need of the users. It is carried through purchases, gifts and exchange, it also building of collection in line with the objectives of the library.
Academic libraries: These are libraries in the institution of higher learning which are devoted to academic institution. They support teaching, learning and research. They include universities, polytechnics and colleges of educations libraries.
SHARE PROJECT MATERIALS ON:
Problems Of Book Acquisition In Academic Libraries:
Academic libraries play a critical role in supporting research and education by providing access to a wide range of books and other scholarly materials. However, there are several challenges and problems associated with book acquisition in academic libraries:
- Budget Constraints:
- Limited budgets often restrict the acquisition of new books, especially in times of economic downturns or budget cuts. This can lead to reduced acquisitions and a slower updating of library collections.
- Rising Costs of Books:
- The cost of books, especially academic and scientific publications, has been steadily increasing. Publishers often set high prices for textbooks and scholarly monographs, making it difficult for libraries to acquire a comprehensive collection.
- E-books and Licensing:
- Many academic libraries are shifting towards digital collections, including e-books. However, e-book licensing models can be expensive and restrictive, limiting the number of simultaneous users or requiring periodic renewal fees.
- Space Constraints:
- Physical space limitations in libraries can restrict the acquisition of print books. As collections grow, libraries may need to make difficult decisions about which books to keep and which to remove, impacting accessibility.
- Collection Development Policies:
- Libraries must adhere to collection development policies, which may limit the acquisition of books that don’t fit within defined subject areas or criteria. This can result in gaps in the collection.
- Duplication and Overlap:
- Inefficiencies in the acquisition process can lead to duplication or overlap of materials. Acquiring multiple copies of the same book or similar books can strain the budget.
- Acquiring Diverse Materials:
- Ensuring diversity and inclusion in library collections can be a challenge. Acquiring books from underrepresented authors or on diverse topics requires proactive efforts and resources.
- Acquiring Rare or Out-of-Print Books:
- Obtaining rare or out-of-print books can be difficult and costly. These materials are essential for research but may require extensive searching and negotiation.
- Access to Foreign-Language Materials:
- Libraries may face challenges in acquiring books in languages other than the dominant language(s) of the institution. Language barriers can limit access to valuable resources.
- Technological Changes:
- Rapid advancements in technology can affect the format in which books are acquired. Libraries must adapt to changes in formats and platforms, which may require new investments and skills.
- Preservation and Conservation:
- Maintaining the physical condition of books in the collection can be a challenge. Preservation and conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the longevity of print materials.
- User Preferences:
- Meeting the diverse preferences and needs of library users can be challenging. Some users prefer print books, while others prefer digital formats, and libraries must balance these preferences.
To address these problems, academic libraries often need to carefully manage their budgets, collaborate with other libraries through consortia, explore open-access and alternative publishing models, and continually reassess and adjust their collection development strategies to align with the evolving needs of their users.