ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the acquisition practices in
Polytechnic Libraries in South Eastern zone of Nigeria. Six research questions
guided the study. An evaluative survey design was adopted in carrying out the
study. The total population for this study was three hundred and thirty (330)
lecturers and thirty seven librarians (37), but two hundred and ninety eight
(298) lecturers and all the librarians were sampled. The major instrument for
data collection was questionnaire. A total of three hundred and thirty (330)
copies of questionnaires were distributed to lecturers, 298 copies were
returned, representing 90.3%. On the other hand, 37 copies of questionnaires
were distributed to the librarians and all were returned. Data was analyzed
using frequency tables, simple percentages and means scores. From the analysis,
the findings revealed that the most adequate information resources in the
libraries under study are books (textbooks). The result also shows that
information materials are acquired mainly by gifts and purchase. The study
revealed that information materials such as books, journals, and reference
materials are more current than other information materials in the library and
that collection development policy is available but encompasses only the area
of acquisition. 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 and duplication of titles 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, librarians should consult
with lecturers in order to get information on the institutions curriculum thus
acquiring materials that will suit the curriculum, employment of qualified librarians,
provision of space for Polytechnic libraries to enable them have archives where
they can deposit outdated materials. The study concluded that adequate and
efficient evaluation of acquisition practices and collection development in
Polytechnic and academic libraries at large would effectively support
librarians, lecturers and students research output.
CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background
of Study
An academic library is a
library that is attached to an institution of learning, a major function of
which is research and the advancement of knowledge in a wide variety of
subjects. It is a central service or unit of operation set up to provide
location ,materials and facilities for study, teaching and research carried out
in the institution. The main function of an academic library is to serve as an
auxiliary to the parent institution in carrying out its objectives. The Library
is an important intellectual resource of the academic community, and helps them
fulfill the curriculum requirements and to promote studies and research
(Rajendran and Rathinasabapathy, 2005). The library caters for the information
needs of the community, through the provision of reading materials for the
various programmes of the institution (Igbinosa and Idiodi, 2002).
According to Danton (1963), the
major obligation of the academic library with respect to its book selection and
book collection is to provide the materials which will now and in the future
best contribute to the fulfillment of these closely related functions of
teaching, conservation and research. Ajibero (1995) opined that the academic
library is the“heart”of the institution. He contends that what all academic
libraries have in common, virtually regardless of country or history is their
basic position, roles, aims and objectives. The reputation of these libraries
depends highly on the library facilities it offers its clientele in terms of
information resources. As information and research resources become more
varied, it places a challenge on academic libraries. Hazen (2000) argued that
the changes in the nature of information, in research strategies, and in the structure of higher education are affecting academic
libraries. These changes define much of the shifting context within which
academic libraries must operate.
It is absolutely essential for
a library to possess the resources that will enable it meet its goals.
Beautiful buildings, well trained staff and modern information storage and
retrieval system can only be appreciated if excellent services are given to
users. These services cannot be given without a collection of information
materials.
The objective of any academic
library is to support the teaching, learning and research activities of the
parent institution. It is an objective which is achieved through a systematic
acquisition and organization of all forms of recorded and undocumented
information in all fields pertinent to the goals of the institution. This can
be realized by making such information available to the members of the academic
community and other scholars engaged in research and study (Ekere, 1992).
Collection development is one
of the fundamental functions of the library and information profession. Magrill
(1989) described it to include all planning for the systematic and rational
building of a collection. In one sense, collection development includes
assessing user needs, evaluating the present collection, determining selection
policy, coordinating selection of items, re-evaluating and storing parts of the
collection and planning for resources sharing. However, in a broader sense,
collection development is not a single activity, or a group of activities; it
is a planning and decision-making process. In order to play these vital roles
effectively, academic libraries are supposed to be adequately funded by their
parent institutions to procure adequate information resources. A library’s
collection development efforts cannot be effective unless its acquisition
efforts are efficient. This practice that is responsible for selecting and acquiring information specialist to perform their myriad
function to the users effectively (Aina, 2004). Academic librarians must strive
to remain competent navigators of acquisition and collection building in order
to assist library users’ .In addition, acquisition practices includes a policy
on the conservation and preservation of information materials as well as the
weeding of information materials. The policy is to provide guidance to staff
when selecting and deselecting resources for the local collection.
Futhermore, collection
evaluation is concerned with how good a collection is in terms of kinds of
materials in it and value of each item in relation to the community being
served, and to the library potential users. The complexities of operating
effective and efficient libraries require greater knowledge about measuring the
processes and evaluating how they influence library’s decision making and
planning. Collection evaluation is a broadly encompassing activity. It can be
as simple as the assessment of size of dollar worth of a collection and it can
be as complex as measuring its value to a given community. The process is an
excellent situation for communication among units in the library.
There are two axioms about the
best foundation for good selection in collection development: know the
collection and know the community. Osborne (1992) pointed out that evaluation
possesses the potentials to make known the strengths, limitations, needs and
possibilities of the library. It can project the image of responsible
management thereby garnering support for improvement, nuturing hope for the
future. The library’s aim is said to have been achieved if its objectives is
not just towards mere warehousing of materials that come within its reach or
become a mere dumping room for gifts, but an evaluative system where the best is acquired and organized
for easy identification of resources within a given period.
The goal of those who are
charged with acquisition responsibilities is to build the best collection
possible that will be relevant to the curriculum but this singular goal is far
fetched in our academic libraries today. This is why Osborne (1992) in his
study of relationship between trends in research and in the way in which
academic research collections had been built lamented that research libraries
are unable to meet the needs of their users, not so much because of lack of
money as lack of awareness in the academic research environment.
The main reason for the
existence of libraries and indeed librarians is providing the information
materials that a person wants regardless of its format or location. Central to
the ability of the polytechnic librarian to do this is the collection of materials
upon which the students and staff alike will draw. He is expected to
continuously acquire, assemble and develop a collection bearing the unique
characteristics of the polytechnic. Conclusively, whether the collection of a
library is large or small, the weaknesses must be determined, rated as to their
importance for users and accepted or alleviated.
The establishment of the
polytechnic system in Nigeria in the late 1970’s came with the idea of
providing Nigerians with another level of tertiary institutions besides the
university system. The main purpose of the Polytechnic education is to produce
the middle –level manpower for the nation’s economy. According to Owolabi and
Attama, (2009), these institutions are engaged in research suitable for the
development for both human and material resources needed by the nation’s
industry and economy. The training of competent personnel that would fit into
these positions requires adequate and free access to well organized sources of information Adegboro (2000).
The curriculum of polytechnics in Nigeria is structured to provide both
theoretical and practical training for students in an atmosphere that is
academically enriching. Ekere (1992) further highlights that a polytechnic’s
prime function is the education and training of students to be able to
contribute effectively to the nation’s economy and technological advancement.
The Polytechnic describes the program mix and focus of a special purpose. This
mix typically includes business, arts and science, design, health, engineering,
journalism, education, media studies, health, visual and performing arts. Some
distinguishing features of a polytechnic are learn-by-doing environment,
application of theory to practice, students’ diversely widening participation in
higher education, multi-disciplinary programe, flexible learning
environments/approaches and work placement/co-op education.
The polytechnic library is an
academic library which supports learning, teaching and research programs in the
institution. In addition to providing an atmosphere conducive to reading and
consultation of relevant facts and data, the library also offers a variety of
facilities and services to enable readers to make optimal use of library
resources. Aboyode (1979) summed up these services as follows: answering
reader’s questions, instruction in the use of library materials, readers’
advisory services, inter-library loan services, photocopying facilities,
library publications, exhibition and displays. In addition to this, the library
also organizes an orientation program for new students at the beginning of each
session.
It
will be appropriate to give a brief history of the polytechnics under this
study. The Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic was established in 1981 as the first
Federal Polytechnic in Southeast Nigeria. It was first located in a temporary
site at the federal Government College, Okposi in Ohozara Local Government area,
Ebonyi State. In the same year, the first class of students was admitted to
pursue various programs leading to the award of National Diploma (ND) and
Higher National Diploma (HND) in science, engineering, and humanities. The
polytechnic administers five schools or faculties in eighteen departments where
the mission and vision of the institution are vigorously pursued.
The polytechnic library, which
was established at the same time, has been playing supportive roles in the
actualization of the mission and vision of the institution. The collections of
the library are made up of fifteen thousand books in different fields, and two
hundred and fifty serial titles (Owolabi and Attama, 2009). The library is not
computerized .Hence; it is not connected to the internet. However, the
institution has an information and telecommunication centre that is internet-driven
with a staff of six information technology (IT) professionals and four
non-professonals.The library is well positioned to carry out its mandate to the
entire staff and students of the polytechnic.
The Federal Polytechnic, Oko is
a research –led polytechnic, recognized for excellence in teaching, learning,
research, creative work and administration for the significance of its
contribution to the advancement of knowledge and its commitment to serve its
local, national and international communities. The institution which has today
metamorphosed into the Federal polytechnic, Oko was founded in 1979 and
approved by the then Anambra State government as a College of Arts and science.
In 1992, the Federal Government of Nigeria with Prof.Ben Nwabueze as secretary
for Education took over the polytechnic and redesigned it as Federal
polytechnic, Oko with campuses at Atani and Ufuma.Over the years, the
polytechnic was saddled with several anti-development factors which were associated with its birth and
growth especially in the area of physical infrastructural development. In order
to move the institution forward, the mission of the polytechnic is to enable
learners develop individual potentials and to acquire the knowledge, skills and
attitudes needed and public services for the technological advancement of the
country. Students pursue various programs leading to the award of National
Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma in Business, engineering, Technology
and Art. The institution administers ten Schools and they all work together in
pursuing the vision of the institution. (www.Okofederalpoly.com).The
collections of Oko polytechnic library are made up of twenty seven thousand
books in different fields and three thousand five hundred and fifty serial
titles. The library is not computerized but also has an IT centre. (Okoye,
2010)
Abia State Polytechnic, Aba was
established by edict no 8 of 1994, which has a retrospective effect from 2nd
October 1992. Its location is the former Girls’ Technical College (GTC) Aba,
along Aba Owerri Road. The initial intake comprised students taking various
Certificate Programmes.The National Diploma programmes commenced in the
1994/1995 academic year. The Higher Diploma programmes were introduced in the
1999/2000 session. The institution is made up of six Schools and twenty five
departments. (www.abiapolyportal.org/pages.php?page_id=30).
The library collection is made up of eighteen thousand five
hundred and ten books in different fields and four thousand seven hundred and
fifteen serial titles and has seven librarians. (Uhiara, 2010) The library is
not computerized. The library remains open between 8.00am and 9.00pm from
Monday through Friday and opens 8.00am to 3.00pm on Saturdays.
Federal Polytechnic Nekede,
Owerri was established in 1978.The polytechnic pursues programs that lead to
the award of National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND).The
Polytechnic administers five schools. The library was established to provide
information resources in support of teaching, learning and research. In doing
so, it has the following objectives: To collect and preserve the most up to
date materials for teaching, research and consultation services of the
Polytechnic, to collect and preserve information resources in books and
non-book formats, to give user-oriented services to the polytechnic community
through Current Awareness Services(CAS), to provide
reading environment in a useful variety of locations etc.(www.federalpolynekede.net/site/about.htm).The
volume of books are twenty seven thousand and sixty in different fields and
three thousand and fifty serial titles.(Nwiwu,2010). The library is not yet
computerized.
Institute of Management and Technology,
Enugu is located in the heart of Enugu and was established in the year 1973.It
is the oldest polytechnic in southeastern part of Nigeria. Beyond academics and
professional competence, the institution strives to produce graduates who will
never be found wanting in character and who have a burning zeal to serve their
fatherland with their skills. They run both National Diploma programme and
Higher National Diploma programme in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts,
and Humanities. The institution administers ten Schools all in the bid to
produce well baked graduates.(www.imteduportal.com). The library has been
providing supportive roles. The library houses fifty thousand five hundred and
sixty five books and three thousand five hundred and fifty serial titles. The
sections in the library
include: Readers services, collection development
department, serials section, reference and reprography sections. (Eze, 2010)
Generally speaking, all the
Libraries under study are involved with collection development and evaluation.
In one sense, the issue of policies guiding the process and constant evaluation
of collection is yet to be fully actualized. Adequate information resources
that meet the needs of users are slightly above minimal level. This situation
might be as a result of some problems such as insufficient staff/manpower to
carry out the practice, inadequate funds to acquire relevant materials and then
the issue of non existent or minimal demand from students,academics,departments
and faculties for up to date or topical materials relating to current
curriculum.
Statement
of the Problem
Over the years, libraries have
been faced with the problem of inadequate and outdated collections. Providing
the information materials a user wants regardless of its format or location is
the main reason for the existence of libraries and librarians. Various efforts
are being made by Polytechnic libraries in Nigeria to acquire information
materials that will meet the desired needs of users in terms of adequacy, currency
and availability. The consistent review of library materials is necessary for
maintaining an active library collection of current interest to users.
Evaluation will be made to determine whether the collection is meeting its
objectives, how well it is serving its users, in which way it is deficient and
what remains to be done to develop the collection. This is why the acquisitions
department of any library is essentially a service unit for the public service
department and staff as customers to be satisfied. Unfortunately, most
Polytechnics are facing some challenges in providing, preserving and
replacing damaged and worn out materials.
However, some studies have been
carried out on related areas such as book acquisition, collection development
in university libraries but none have covered the present status of acquisition
and collection development in Polytechnic libraries in South east zone of
Nigeria. Notwithstanding all the efforts being made by Polytechnic libraries
towards acquiring information materials that is adequate, current and fully
meets the institutions curricular, it appears they face a number of problems.
Knowledge of these challenges is essential for any Polytechnic library whether
federal, State or private. This shows that there is still gap which needs to be
filled in order to have a balanced collection. Hence, the need for this study
which is designed to evaluate the acquisition practices in Polytechnic
libraries in south eastern zone of Nigeria.
Purpose
of the Study
The
general
purpose of the
study is to
evaluate the acquisition
practices in
Polytechnic
libraries in South-East Nigeria. The specific objectives are as follows:
1. To
examine the adequacy of the collection of the Polytechnic libraries under
study.
2. To
evaluate the methods of acquisition of the information resources by the
Polytechnic libraries.
3. To
evaluate the currency of their information resources.
4. To
examine the collection development policies available in the polytechnic
libraries.
5. To
evaluate those problems encountered in the development of their collections.
6. To
examine the strategies that could enhance the acquisition practices in the
Libraries under study.
Research
Questions
The
study will be guided by the following research questions:
1. How
adequate are the collections of the polytechnic Libraries in South-East
Nigeria?
2. What
are the methods of acquisition of their information resources?
3. How
current are the collections of the Polytechnic Libraries?
4. What
are the Collection development policies available in these Libraries?
5. What
are those problems encountered in developing collections of these Libraries?
6. What
are the strategies that could enhance the acquisition practices of the
libraries under study?
Significance
of the Study
The findings of this study
would be useful to Librarians, students, lecturers, researchers and the
Government in the following ways: As libraries deteriorate in terms of
collection evaluation, users suffer. Hence, the study of this nature is needed
to determine the magnitude of the problems affecting collection
development/evaluation and strategies adopted in handling them. For Librarians,
the result of the findings will assist librarians to create avenues of
contending with the problems in the area of collection development evaluation.
This study is also aimed at alerting librarians on the need for proper
collection development, policies and constant evaluation of collection in order
to frequently satisfy the needs of users, of polytechnic Libraries and other
academic libraries. The recommendations will help in giving the librarians an
insight of information on evaluation of materials so as to adopt better ones.
For students, lecturers and
researchers, the findings will provide them with basic and factual information
at their disposal. It will help to determine the extent to which the aims and
objectives of libraries in terms of evaluation of collection has helped
students and researchers and organizational bodies of institutions.
Likewise the Government will
benefit from the study as they will realize their budgeting inadequacies for
library collection development. This will enable them counter these
inadequacies.
Finally, the study will be
useful for other academic purposes by providing the data base from which
information could be obtained for future research in related areas of study.
Scope
of the Study
This research is limited to the
collections of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Library, Uwana, Federal
Polytechnic Library, Oko, Federal Polytechnic Library, Nekede, Institute of
Management Technology Library, Enugu, and Abia Polytechnic Library, Aba. The
study will involve all librarians and lecturers of the institutions.
Furthermore, the study will be
delimited to: adequacy of collections, methods of acquisition, currency of
collections, availability of collection development policies, problems and
strategies for enhancing acquisition practices.
================================================================
Item Type: Project Material | Attribute: 76 pages | Chapters: 1-5
Format: MS Word | Price: N3,000 | Delivery: Within 30Mins.
================================================================
No comments:
Post a Comment