ABSTRACT
This
study examined the acquisition and management of serials in academic libraries
in Edo state purposive selection of librarian that works in the serial
department in the four higher institution (Uniben, AAU, BIU, Auchi-poly)
library in Edo State were used. The descriptive research design was used in
this study. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. The
descriptive survey research design was used. The instrument used for data
collection was questionnaire. The population of this study consists of all the
professional and para-professional librarians in four higher institution
library (Uniben, AAU, BIU, Auchi-poly) in Edo State. Population of librarian
used for this study was fifty (50) and total enumeration was used for the
sample size. Sample technique employed was the purposive sampling technique. A
total number of fifty (50) questionnaires were distributed and twenty seven (27)
copies of the questionnaire were retrieved and analyzed with simple percentage
and frequency count. It was found that; the kind of serial materials mostly is
available in the library are journals (print and electronic), magazine and
newspaper. It was discovered that the techniques used in the management of
serials materials are; Frequent training of the staff and Finding ways to
improve efficiency. However, the factors affecting acquisition and management
of serials were lack of tools for acquisition and lack of standard ordering as
well as claiming process. The study recommended that: The academic management
should increase the library fund allocation regularly (yearly) so as to
accommodate increase in local prices and exchange rates.
CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background to the Study
The
key to every successful academic library organization is based on the job
performance of its staff, which is made possible through their effective
training and funds supports to make possible proper dissemination of
information resources targeted to its clientele. Information resources changes
the way of learning in which academic library users are no longer limited to
what their lecturers impacts into them verbally. Instead, they have at their
fingertips the opportunity to explore the world and take in vast amounts of
information along the way. Learning resources such as Internet facilities,
journals, library amongst other has been recognized by scholars through
researches to be vital in improving performances both in the classroom and
during examinations.
According
to Aina (2004), the major objectives of the academic libraries are;
1.
To
support the objectives of the university which are in the area of learning,
teaching research and services.
2.
To
provide materials that are needed for learning for all courses that maybe
offered.
3.
To
provide information sources for the purpose of extra-rural studies recreation,
entertainment and general knowledge.
In
meeting the objectives of academic libraries the need for serial materials
which is essential because Information is better when current.The term serials
and periodicals are synonymous, they are used interchangeably to refers to the
materials imprint or non-print form that are produced serially or periodically.
A serial material is defined as any publication issued in successive parts
which are intended to be continued indefinitely. These publication may be
issued in print, non-print, and/or electronic format. Common types of series
includes abstracts and indexes almanacs and year book, newspapers, trade
journals, popular magazines, or scholarly journals e.t.c.
Serials form the backbone of any academic
library or research library because to its currency in information which means,
they aid the dissemination of current information. Nwalo
(2003), describe serials as publications issued in successive parts, at regular
or irregular intervals and intended to be continued indefinitely. Nwalo
listed serials materials to include; newspaper, magazines, newsletters, accessions,
journals, indexes, abstract, reports proceedings and transactions of societies
etc. Out of them all, journals are the most important to researchers
because much of articles therein are products of research and it may never
appear in any other publications. Ogunrombi (1997) asserted that academic
and research libraries acquire, organize, store, retrieve and disseminate
information contained in journals for researchers, educators, students and
other interested persons in their various disciplines.
In
line with this, Serial publications represent a most important reference source
not only because of their sizes but also because they present other numerous
values, which the book medium fails to offer. Perhaps their greatest value lies
in the fact that they provide the newest and most nearly up-to-date
information. Apart from announcing scientific discoveries and serving as
avenues for the publication of scientific researches, research-in-progress,
they are also a safeguard to researcher for sifting through the maze and an
increased emphasis on access rather than ownership. Cook (2002) in his attempt
to refresh and acquaint practitioner who need to become familiar with issues of
collection management, avers that serials acquisition should be part of library’s
annual budget.
To this
end, library acquisition is the department of a library responsible for the
selection and purchase of materials and resources.
Imam et al. (2008) identified six channels or methods of acquiring
library materials into the library, which include; purchase, exchange, gift, donations,
bequest and legal deposit, professional association.
However,
Agbadiuno C.P, Agbo A.D and onyekweodiri N.E (2015) stated that, Acquisition
functions are generally located in the technical service divisions whose
operations provide access to information in all its forms and formats.
Acquisition process may include identifying and selecting materials for the
library’ collection; pre-order searching to identify duplicate orders and to
verify correct author and title as well as availability and price; ordering of
materials from vendors or publishers; negotiating licensing agreements and
contracts for electronic resources; claiming materials not delivered within the
expected time frame; receiving materials; approving invoices for payments;
physical processing such as ownership identification, security taping, and call
number marking; binding; and preserving materials as needed.
Today, it
has not been easy for serials librarians to acquire all the necessary
information resources needed, Farrington (2000), he continued stating that the
result of confusion and about over sources of information and acquisition
idiosyncrasies on the part of book dealers. Even these materials are supplied,
there is yet this problem of storage facilities and equipment to use. For
library to achieve its objective effectively it must be able to co-ordinate
both its human and materials resources properly,For effective access to and use
of library materials including serials, proper management is essential
To this
end management is the process of reaching organisational goals by working
through people and other organisation resources. Management has the following
two characteristics which are;
1. It involves and concentrates on reaching organisational
goals.
2. It reaches these goals by working with and through people
and other organizational resources.
Management
processes the four basic management functions that make up the management
process which are; planning, organizing, influencing, and controlling. Which
are needed in library management which is a sub-discipline of institutional
management that focuses on specific issues faced by libraries and management
professionals.
According
to Farrington, (2000) the effectiveness in the usage of serials depend on the
efficiency of serials management in academic library. Serials have to be
selected, acquired, stored, retrieve and disseminated to the users. This is
where serial acquisition and management becomes indispensable, Thomas
Adubika (2007) added that the sources of supply, bibliographic control as
well as acquisition practices are not the same as those for monographic
publications hence the need for proper management, most especially in the
academic library environment where serials form a most important source of
information to the researcher. He also stated that In spite of the unique value
of serials and the very important roles they play in the operations of academic
libraries, often poor results in management of serials collection which further
results in loss of serials, existence of gaps in the collection and many other
irregularities, the most frustrating of which is unmet requests. It is not unusual
to witness a scenario where library patrons are unable to access serials which
the library is known to have subscribed. In most cases, no satisfactory
explanation could be offered for this parlous state, Adubika (2007).
Furthermore, Ugwuanyi (1998) stated that, in
Nigeria, the main problem of acquisition is associated with the fact that most
library materials are produced outside the country. The procurement of foreign
books and other materials continually exposes Nigeria academic libraries to
foreign exchange problems. He also identified some other basic problems of
collection development in Nigeria academic libraries some of which include;
under-developed book industries, censorship, poor funding,lack of managerial
skills, lack of acquisition skills, lack of collection development policy,
unavailability of bibliographies, government fiscal measures.
Woodward
(1991) is of the opinion that acquisition and management of serials need skills
as in any successfully manage business. It is a two way communication and
clearly perceive task and understanding of the collection is a, must, he
stressed that serial acquisition and management comprises all activities needs
to facilitate and implement efficient and effective transfer of information to
the potential users and thereby fulfill the objectives of the library wishes to
achieve. Like any other concept, management evolves diverse memories in a
variety ways.
In carrying
the above functions, librarians are engaged in a continuous process of making
decision. Acquisition and management is the beefing up the library stock and
proper organizing and preserving of it, management is equivalent to decision
making.
The goal of serial acquisition and management is to
deliver promptly that serial literature, which the user needs. Librarians
serving in academic libraries should realizing that researcher and users of the
library require a wide range of knowledge. Realizing the complexity of the
situation as well as the increasing trend towards publication in serial form, the
selection and acquisition should be done on those information needs of the
organization.
1.2
Background
Information on John Harris Library
Uniben
The
University of Benin was founded in 1970. It started as an Institute of
Technology and was accorded the status of a full-fledged University by National
Universities Commission (NUC) on 1 July 1971. In his Budget Speech in April
1972, the then Military Governor of Mid-Western State, Col. S. O. Ogbemudia (then
also Visitor to the University) formally announced the change of the name of
the Institute of Technology to the University of Benin.
The
university move to it’s permanent site at Uturu Okigwe in 1986 with the
creation of Abia State from old Imo State in 1992, the Soul of Imo state
university was reborn at Owerri in 1992.
The
university's main library, the John Harris Library, was named after the pioneer
university librarian, Prof. John Harris,
from New Zealand. The John Harris library began with the promulgation of this
institute of technology edit in 1970. Clear provision had been made for the
need of a library and the provision of textbook with the commencement of the
first academic year which was scheduled to take off in October 1970 the late
Mrs. P. Harris wife of the first university librarian who was then a consultant
to the federal government of Nigeria was secure to draft a programe for the university
planning committee Professor John Harris was appointed the first institutes
librarian. While the temporary building was yet to be completed two classroom
were provided for the assembly of furniture and equipment preliminary training
of staff and looks the library was officially opened during the foundation day
of the institute which harked its official opening.
John Harris Library is an ultra-modern
building with central air conditioning. The building is designed to seat about
700 readers. It provides photocopying, duplicating, laminating and binding
services. The library has been computerized. Installation of other modern
information technology facilities is ongoing.
With
the high increase in student population, the library has embarked on an expansion
programme with the establishment of faculty libraries; the Ekehuan Road Campus
Library, Medical Library, Law, Engineering
and Pharmacy Library are functional. A John Harris Library extension is
awaiting commissioning. The library participates in interlibrary co-operation
among Nigerian academic libraries.
1.3
Statement
of the Problem
Serial
is the backbone of every academic library because of its indispensable nature
as careers of current information on research findings in all fields of human
endeavours. Therefore serials materials are acquired, organized, stored and
display that users will make effective use of it.
It has been observed that proper acquisition and
management of serials has advanced serials service delivery despite this,
Ugwuanyi (1998) has noted several problems in the acquisition and management of
serials in academic libraries which are; the procurement of foreign books and
other materials continually exposes academic libraries to foreign exchange
problems. He also identified some other basic problems of collection
development in academic libraries some of which include; under-developed book
industries, censorship, poor funding, lack of managerial skills, lack of collection
development policy, lack of acquisition skills, unavailability of
bibliographies, government fiscal measures. There is need for proper
co-ordination and management of serials for serial sections of a library to
serve its patrons effectively, therefore this necessitates the researcher out
of curiosity to determine the problems that affect the effective management of
serials in John Harris Library.
1.4
Objectives
of the Study
The main objective of this work is
to examine acquisition
and management of serials in academic libraries in Edo State.
The
specific objectives of this study are;
i. To
determine the serial materials acquired in the libraries.
ii. To
find out how the serials are acquired.
iii. Investigate
how the serials are managed
iv. Find
out the factors affecting effective acquisition of serials collections of the
library
v. To
ascertain the factors that affects the acquisition and management of serials in
the library.
1.5
Research
Questions
i. What
are the kinds of serial materials acquired in the library?
ii. How
are serials materials acquired and disseminated in the library?
iii. The
serial materials are managed in what way?
iv. What
are the factors affecting effective acquisition of serials collections of the
library?
v. What
are the factors that hinder effective management of serials collections of the
library?
1.6
Scope
of the Study
The
study is limited to only the Nigerian section of John Harris Library. The
researcher will cover such area as selection, acquisition, organization and
storage, circulation and dissemination of information materials, funding,
personnel, as well as management style of the serials department.
1.7
Significance
of the Study
The
John Harris Library is a federal owned organization. Like every other federal
owned organization. After the researcher precious visit to the serial section
of the library it was noted that It has been fraught with so many problems
which are left unattended to over the years, as a result, there has been so
much decay in the library as well as the library serials department (NIGERIAN).
The information materials are so old and current materials are very rare.
Serials rendered to clients are not the best and therefore not effective. These
problem and more one what the researcher intends to investigate.
In
discovering these problems, the investigator will also proffer valuable
solutions to these problems.
It
is expected that the study will be kind of blue print for other academic
libraries that would like to establish a serial department. The researcher also
hope that the work will be significance to people with task of managing serial
collections of the library. It is also hope that study will be of immeasurable
benefit to the following people via. libraries, librarians in training,
universities, polytechnic or college of education planners, administrator,
resources persons and pursuers of knowledge and learning.
1.8
Definitions
of Terms
Serials:
A
serial is defined as a publication issued in successive part bearing numerical
or chronological designation intended to be continue indefinitely, serials
include periodical (Newspapers, magazines, journals and memo’s, proceeding
transactions of societies, annual (report, year book and numbered monographic
series).
Academic
Libraries: These are libraries that cater for the
teaching, research and recreational needs of students, lecturers, and non
academic staff in institution of higher learning like polytechnics,
universities, college of education and monotechnics etc.
Library
Acquisition: Acquisition is the process on obtaining
library materials to satisfy the need of users. It is also the process of
obtaining books and other materials for the library, documentation centre or
achieves.
Library
Management: Library manager broadly defined includes all the
things that go on from time a group of citizens establishes a library to serve
it’s need to the moment that library does something which helps a citizen. The
objectives of the institution and its methods, it facilities and personnel are
involved.
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