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THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCES
RESEARCH REPORT
Course code: LIS 4014(Research in Development Information System)
Topic: How selection and acquisition practices affect the adequacy of library materials at the University of Zambia and the University of Lusaka libraries. Group members Name Computer Number Mirriam Siwale : 15020045 Monde Mukonda : 15043983 Sonia Mvula : 15041590 Emmanuel Banda : 15011933 Gibster Makangila : 15046656 Supervisor: Mrs Daka
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DEDICATION
We dedicate this work to our beloved family and friends.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
For assistance in the execution of this report, the authors are grateful to many people. First, and foremost, we wish to thank in a special way Mrs. Daka our supervisor, who provided cordial guidance and encouragement to complete this study. We also wish to thank the librarians at UNILUS and UNZA libraries who really helped us to make our research work a success at both institutions not excluding the students who provided the needed information for our research. Most of all, we prominently thank the almighty God for his goodness and kindness. To him we are greatly indebted.
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ABSTRACT
This research was undertaken to investigate how selection and acquisition practices affect the adequacy of library materials. The research was embarked upon to examine how the selection and acquisition methods carried out at the two institutions affects the adequacy of the library materials and the challenges that arise against the smooth execution of these two practices at a public institution such as the University of Zambia library and a private institution such as the University of Lusaka library. The general objective of the research was to investigate how selection and acquisition practices affect the adequacy of library materials at the University of Zambia and the University of Lusaka libraries. The specific objectives where: To compare selection and acquisition methods used at the University of Zambia library and University of Lusaka library; To compare users’ perceptions on the adequacy of the library collection at the University of Zambia library and University of Lusaka library and; To identify challenges faced by the staff of the University of Zambia and University of Lusaka libraries as far as selection and acquisition is concerned. The research used a mixed method research design. A sample of 150 students was taken and handed questionnaires using random sampling. Two key informants were identified and interviewed on matters concerning the topic. The quantitative data gathered was analyzed using SPSS and excel and the qualitative data was analyzed using the thematic data analysis technique. The research found that the library was under-utilized by the students due to reasons like poor and old library materials. The materials provided by the library were mostly outdated books that the students could not utilize. Some of the materials were found to be irrelevant. The library faced some challenges in providing updated and current materials due to financial constraints. It was recommended that the library should take proactive measures instead of waiting for limited government funding. Among others it was recommended that the librarians should not sit back and wait for donations that are not applicable to the collection. It is recommended that they should write up a list of required materials according to the curriculum then this can be presented to anyone who wants to donate to the library to ensure the collection grows in a relevant direction. Key words : UNZA, UNILUS, Selection, Acquisition, Adequacy, Library collection.
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- 2.0 Overview
- 2.1 Selection and Acquisition methods that are used
- 2.2 User’s perceptions on the adequacy of the library collection
- 2.3 Challenges faced during selection and acquisition processes
- 2.4 Summary
- CHAPTER THREE: Methodology
- 3.0 Overview
- 3.1 Research Design
- 3.2 Total Population
- 3.3 Sample Size
- 3.4 Sampling Methods and Procedure
- 3.5 Sources of Data - 3.5.1 Primary Data............................................................................................................................. - 3.5.2 Secondary Data
- 3.6 Instruments of Data Collection.....................................................................................................
- 3.7 Data Analysis
- 3.8 Summary
- CHAPTER FOUR: Presentation of Research Findings - 4.0: Introduction - 4.1: Characteristics of the respondents - 4.2: Findings and discussion
vii 4.2.1: Perceptions of library users on library collection at UNZA and UNILUS library ........ 22 4.2.2: Selection and Acquisition methods used at UNZA and UNILUS library ...................... 22 4.2.3: Challenges Faced by UNZA and UNILUS staff ................................................................ 22 4.3 Summary ......................................................................................................................................... 23 CHAPTER FIVE: Discussion of Research Findings ...................................................................... 24 5.0 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 24 5.1.1 Selection and acquisition methods used at the University of Zambia library and University of Lusaka library .................................................................................................................... 24 5.1.2 Users’ perceptions on the adequacy of library collections at UNZA and UNILUS libraries ....................................................................................................................................................... 24 5.1.3 Challenges Faced by UNZA and UNILUS staff in the selection and acquisition processes ..................................................................................................................................................... 25 5.2 Conclusions and Recommendations ............................................................................................. 26 5.2.0 Conclusions .............................................................................................................................. 26 5.2.1 Selection and acquisition methods used at the University of Zambia library and University of Lusaka library .................................................................................................................... 26 5.2.2 Users’ perceptions on the adequacy of library collections at UNZA and UNILUS libraries ....................................................................................................................................................... 27 5.2.3 Challenges Faced by UNZA and UNILUS staff in the selection and acquisition processes ..................................................................................................................................................... 27 5.3 Recommendations .......................................................................................................................... 27
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ACRONYMS
FUTA Federal University of Technology Akure ICTAR Institute for Corporate Training and Applied Research SPSS Statistical Package for Social Sciences UNZA The University of Zambia UNILUS University of Lusaka
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CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Selection and acquiring of information resources are core activities of libraries. Libraries all over the world still select, acquire and maintain massive book collections while managing other formats. Despite prophecies of vanishing print collections and emergence of the digital format, printed books still have a central role in library collections and publishing industry. The library’s mission statement guides materials selection in the development of the collection and the allocation of funds. The objective behind the establishment of any academic library is to satisfy the needs of its clientele by providing informative materials to support the aims and objectives of the institution through selection, acquisition, organization and storage of materials required by the users. The task of academic libraries is to select, maintain and provide access to relevant and information resources. This can be achieved through adequate collection development (Horava, 2005). AccordingOmonori and Abayomi (2018) defineselection as the act of deciding what information resources are added to the library collection and in what quantity while acquisition deals with locating and acquiring the information resources identified as appropriate for the collection. Lamb (2004) shows the importance of selection and acquisition in libraries, stated that in Ranganathan's 5th law ‘the library is a growing organism’. This indicates that the library is expected to build its collection to meet the information needs of its various users. He further stressed the importance of acquisition and selection as important aspects of library service that promotes libraries. Selection and acquisition of library materials depend on the kind of library since each library is interested in serving primarily its clientele which could be homogenous or heterogonous (Attama and Ezema, 2002). Anyanwu et al. (2006) identified the channels or methods of acquisition of library materials as, purchase, gift and exchange, legal deposit, professional associations. In most developing countries the main problem of selection and 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 libraries to foreign exchange problems. He also identified some other basic problems of collections in libraries some of which include; underdeveloped book
3 Education: Our Driving Force. At inception in 2007, the institution operated under the title, ‘Institute for Corporate Training and Applied Research’ (ICTAR). In January 2008, the institution was registered as a university. In the same year, the University of Lusaka introduced its Bachelor’s Degree programs in partnership with the Copperbelt University; and in 2009 began offering its own programs. The University of Lusaka was officially opened by Hon. Dr John N.T. Phiri, Minister of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education, on Thursday 18th October, 2012. Following this auspicious beginning, the University now offers a wide range of programs at Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral levels. Since inception, University of Lusaka has been working in collaboration with other universities, and notable among them are, the Copperbelt University, University of Zambia and University of KwaZulu Natal. University of Lusaka programs combine the enduring value of a classroom education with skills and experiences of lecturers most of whom hail from industry; who ensure that students are engaged and equipped for successful careers and fulfilling lives. The University of Lusaka is one of Zambia’s first private universities established in 2007. It was established to serve as a Centre of Excellence in education, training, research and provision of consultancy services. In this respect, the University has developed a wide range of tailor-made programs that are designed to meet the challenges and needs of the changing world. The programs are designed to respond to the needs of business and society in the ever fast-changing technological environment. The programs are designed in such a manner as to enable the graduates to acquire adequate knowledge and skills that respond to the needs of both the private and public sector, nationally and internationally 1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Academic institutions are educational setups for the training of people to embark on research activities. It is where learners are taught how to study independently; and the library is one of the facilities that contain the intellectual resources which are needed to accomplish this goal. Therefore, properly managed academic libraries should be the concern of the management of any academic institutions. The adequacy of the collection provided by the library is determined to a large extent by the process of selection and acquisition. Selection and acquisition of library resources should not be
4 lopsided. The relevance of library materials selected and acquired is at stake if gifts and donations from the major mode of acquisition. This is because the process of separating such materials may be compromised by the need to fill the shelves with books. In the last twenty years, the tendency to depend more on gift has increased as book votes for libraries becomes small to cope with high cost of books, especially the imported ones. An empirical study by Chaputula (2011) revealed that the extent at which selection and acquisition activities are carried out varies from one library setting to another. In other words, the degree of emphasis on the practices may differ due to some militating factors or individual interest. In addition, he also indicated that there are challenges like inadequate funding, lack of motivation of staff, lack of infrastructure amongst others militating against selection and acquisition practices in developing countries. The key problem the study aims to do is to examine the adequacy of the materials through selection and acquisition practices carried out at the two institutions and the challenges that arise against the smooth execution of these two practices at a public institution such as the University of Zambia library in comparison to a private institution such as the University of Lusaka library. 1.4 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 1.4.1 General objective The general objective of this research was to investigate how selection and acquisition practices affect the adequacy of library materials at the University of Zambia and the University of Lusaka libraries. 1.4.2 Specific objectives This research was guided by the following specific objectives; (a) To compare selection and acquisition methods used at the University of Zambia library and University of Lusaka library. (b) To compare users’ perceptions on the adequacy of the library collection at the University of Zambia library and University of Lusaka library.
6 Throughout this research, consented efforts were made to maintain all research ethics. The issues included the respondent’s rights to confidentiality and right to withhold their consent to participate in this research undertaking. Researchers fully indicated to all the key informants and respondents that prior permission was sort from them before being interviewed. 1.7 DEFINITIONS OF KEY TERMS Acquisition; Acquisition in this study will refer to methods of acquiring library materials such as books, journals, magazines by means of purchasing and donations. Library; In this study the word library will be used to describe a physical building or room with a collection of sources of information and similar resources made accessible to a defined community for reference or borrowing. Selection : Selection in study is used to mean process of choosing the appropriate books for a library. It is the professional apex in librarianship. Its objective is to select the right books to the right reader at the time. 1.8 SUMMARY This chapter discussed how the library provides materials that reflect the diverse educational, information, and recreational needs of its users. In so doing, the library provides access to content through print, multimedia and technology. The library recognizes that content and medium should be suitably matched, and that library patrons have different learning styles and preferences for how they receive information. Therefore, materials are provided in a variety of formats, including, when appropriate: Print such as hard covers, paperbacks, magazines, and newspapers, non-print such as audio and video formats, digital resources such as on-line databases; digital books, recordings, and images; software programs; and the internet and downloadable e-books, audio books, and videos. The onus is on the librarians to use their discretion in determining the most appropriate materials to acquire for the benefit of their patrons and how best to go about the process of obtaining to the above mentioned materials, after all, as reiterated by Ranganathan, the library ceases to serve its core purpose if it does not seek to cater to the needs of its users.
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CHAPTER TWO
LITERETURE REVIEW
2.0 OVERVIEW
This Literature review was done in order to provide an awareness of information published in relation to selection and acquisition practices and how they affect the adequacy of library collection. This particular review was organized and structured thematically; therefore information unveiled here provides a summarized road map, guiding an intellectual progression of thought on themes derived from the specific objectives listed in chapter 1.4.2 of the research. Consequently publications reviewed here were selected specifically on the basis of the information that they contained with regards to the following themes: selection and acquisition methods that are used, user’s perceptions on the adequacy of the library collection and the challenges faces during selection and acquisition practices. To maintain the relevancy of the literature in setting the context of this study, only literature from 2000 onwards will be included. 2.1 Selection and Acquisition methods that are used. Omonori and Abayomi (2018) carried out a research at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) library. Their study aimed at assessing the selection and acquisition criteria of information resources. Findings revealed that there was a minimum and maximum value of 1 and 4 respectively for formal and ease of use, local emphasis, readability or ability to sustain interest, treatment of subject to age of intended audience, reputation of author, creative quality and critical
9 selections of certain types of information and reference sources, there should be better liaison between local vendors and librarians in order to import quality current titles and book importers need to get the information about the courses being offered at various universities to make the rightly needed material available to University libraries. The research concluded that University libraries are still following the conventional selection practices, except of a few cases. Both faculty and librarian do not have a balanced role in selection strategy in most of the libraries. Due to relying merely on faculty members for making selections and on local vendors for supplying current books causes undue delays in timely acquiring of needed titles. There needs to be better liaison among faculty, library staff and vendors in order to make quality selections well on time. Chanu and Singh (2011) carried out a study to investigate the trends in selection and acquisition practices. The study further tried to find out some ways and means for smooth development of library collection. The findings of the study were: the growth of library materials is found to be uneven due to the financial constraints faced by the library. Selection policies laid down by the authority were found to serve as a guideline in selecting materials. Faculty members are also involved in selection of materials. Good collection of documents provides the base for all library services. Balanced and updated collection of documents is an essential activity for providing effective library services. Library materials are primarily meant for use by users. Need for information and knowledge should form the based criterion for determining practical policy of library collection .There is need to develop adequate collection of both printed as well as e- resources to give proper library and information services to library users. The suggestions and recommendations put forward were: More library staffs should be appointed and permanent post of college Librarians should be created. Adequate funds should be provided for acquisition of Library Resources, both printed and e-resources. Resource sharing needs to be encouraged among the college and university libraries, making ill facilities more effective and practicable. Jane Goodwin and Lydia Patrick (2002) in their paper observed that the traditional method of individual selection for building the collection was no longer working due to significant increase in the volume of information request and increased use of circulation statistics on collection use has paved the way for materials selection officers. Thus, they recommended that librarians take
10 advantage of using the mechanism that vendors have applied to speed identification and acquisition of available items. Also, recommended framing statements for the scope and profiles of the collection to help library staff and vendors. Oshinaike (2006) analyzed the contribution of philanthropic organizations to collection development in libraries. His study revealed that book donations from philanthropic organizations had a positive impact on developing library collections. It increased the volumes of books in their collections. It was discovered that Book Aid International was the major donor to these libraries. He reported that acquisition of books was not affected through these donations. He suggested that these donors should consult the collection development librarians before so that the concerned area of weak collection is developed. They should be encouraged to contribute materials in other format. Flatley and Prock (2009) carried out a case study regarding issues of books acquisition in University Libraries of Pennsylvania. The study revealed that the book market, acquisition practices, and library collections had not changed much, despite the emergence of a digital paradigm. Acquisition librarians had neither the required authority to select nor to purchase the books online from the International market. Furthermore, the working relationships between vendors and librarians were not truly professional. The suggestions given were that certain practical and realistic steps should be taken by the government to promote local book production as well as to improve the import procedure for a smooth flow of acquisitions. Chief or acquisition librarians should be trusted to devise a strategy for buying books online. University libraries are receiving improved funding for print material which should be spent for what is actually needed rather than whatever is available in the local market. The use of online resources should be explored to achieve efficiency, economy and speed. 2.2 User’s perceptions on the adequacy of the library collection. Negahban, Selvaraja and Venkatesha (2011) carried out a study to assess user’s perceptions on the adequacy of collections of the library among research scholars of University of Mysore. A total of 68 research scholars pursuing their PHD degree in various social and biological sciences were randomly selected of which 57 were male research scholars and 11 were female research scholars. A predetermined structured questionnaire on user adequacy of library collection was administered
