BOOK ACQUISITION AND IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES SOURCES AND METHOD

Abstract

This work is on book acquisition in academic libraries sources and methods. A case study of Imo state Polytechnic Library Umuagwo. It emphasized the need for acquisition of library materials for its primary clientele 8 questionnaires forms were administered to the institution under study. It was formed out that the institution under study their library involves in acquisition of library materials. Chapter two reviews what the topic is talking about. Chapter three deals with the methods adopted in the research work, findings and discussion were outlined, it is observed from the finding that the library acquire their materials through gift exchange, purchase etc. Recommendations were made on how to improve and maintain the acquisition department. It also recommend on how to ensure effective and relevant materials to its users

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background of the study

The main objective of establishing any library is to satisfy the needs of its clientele by providing the aim of setting up a library in nay institution through its selection and acquisition of materials, adequate collection required by the users should be made available to them at the right time.
Selection as the process of choosing library materials to satisfy the needs for inclusion in a library with a view to providing a balanced increase to the stock. (Anyanwu, Amadi and Zander, 2006) according to Nwalo, (2003) Book selection is the art of choosing items to be acquired from a list of publication in every library of any university, there should be a specific policy with regard to selection of materials. This policy should specify the type and range of items to be selected and acquired and reflect the objectives of the parent’s institution. Acquisition can be define as the process of obtaining library materials to satisfy the needs of users, and its work, it’s a means by which books and non-books materials are added to the library. Moreover, the essence of selection and acquisition of library materials in academic libraries is to know the materials relevant to them. Selection of library materials is important because of literature explosion, reduction in library budget, reduction in income of library users. Good selectors should aim, at satisfying existing demand, anticipate future needs by users and ensure that good quality materials are provided, avoid bias in selection and ensure that the right kind of materials are provided at the right time. Eguaron (2002) identified processes involved in books selection by one person, selection meeting/selection committee and specialized group. In selecting/acquisition of materials for academic libraries you must consider the aims and objectives of the institution, the number of department and subject areas. The number of faculty member’s research and teaching needs and the nature of materials required in terms of books and non-book materials. In academic library, materials selected/acquired are meant to cater the support of the curriculum, which means the impute/attribute of the teaching staff is usually required in selecting appropriate materials for the students in most academic libraries the library committee carries out the selection of library materials.
Furthermore, in acquisition, of times acquisition librarian is included in selection in acquisition, their responsibility is also in selection of library materials. However, in academic libraries the acquired materials are jointly done by members of faculty and the library in any case any of the users of the library can acquire materials for the consideration of library, perhaps this is the only contact a library users may have with this part of the library. The academic acquired their materials by gift direct purchase, exchange and professional association. This can be of books and other library materials, which include periodicals serials, government publication, pamphlets, technical and research reports, micro-forms and microfilms, audio-visual materials and also academic libraries source their supply of library books through publisher, jobbers/whole seller /exhibition.
Oduagwu (2002) explains selection and acquisition of library materials depends on the kind of library since each library is interested in serving primary its clientele which could be homogenous or heterogonous. The most important function here is the systematic way, techniques in guiding against buying materials which deserve no spare on their shelves.
Emanuel Anyanwu, Enyinnah Zander and Emmanuel Amadi (2006) identified the channels or methods of acquisition of library materials through, purchase, gift and exchange, legal deposit, professional associations. Finally Isaac, Nnadimele.O (2005) specified some of the problems facing our selected and acquired materials by some of the Nigerian vendors who may not supply libraries when the materials are in great demand. The main problem of acquisition is associated with the fact that vast major materials are produce outside the country. The procurement material is produced outside the country. The procurement of foreign books and other materials continually expose the procuring of library materials to foreign exchange problems in selection/acquisition untrained or in experienced staff can be problematic, which means, it needs one who knows much about the field of study.

• STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Sources and method acquisition of library materials are very essential in ensuring that users obtain the relevant materials they need. It is unfortunate that at times of the lecturer and students are not involved in the acquisition of library materials with the result that books that are not relevant to the needs of the users are selected/ acquired in the library.
Also some libraries choose to acquire materials through book stores/retailers there by risking the originality of such materials which might be pirated materials in most cases the management of institution single handedly select and acquire library materials which sometimes might not be a quality materials.

• OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The objectives of the study are as follow;

1. To find the sources/method of acquisition in academic libraries
2. To describe/Explain the meaning of selection and acquisition
3. To identify the tools for selection and acquisition of library materials
4. To find out factors that hinder selection and acquisition of library materials.
5. To ascertain the effect of academic libraries sources and method on academic performance of student
   • RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

H₀: There is no sources/method of acquisition in academic libraries

H₁: There is sources/method of acquisition in academic libraries

H₀²: There are no factors that hinder selection and acquisition of library materials

H₂: There are factors that hinder selection and acquisition of library materials

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of the study is well stated by Anyanwu Amadi and Zander (2006) when the said that the purpose of any scholarly institution library codification is through selection and acquisition of library materials, in order to satisfy the needs of its clientele.
According to Nwalo (2003) he explained that there should be a specified type and range of items to be selected and acquired, their sources and method of acquisition, in other to reflect the objective of the parent’s institution. Thus the study is of a high, through its emphasis on the methods and sources of acquisition of library material in academic library. To a large extent the significance of the study is enormous in view that, the findings and recommendations from this study will facilitate in solving the libraries problem.

• SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study covers book acquisition and in academic libraries sources and method. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

1. a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study
2. b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.
3. c) Organizational privacy: Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities.

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. SELECTION: This is the act of choosing it materials to be acquired form a list publication.
2. 2. ACADEMIC LIBRARY: They are those libraries attached to institutions of higher learning e.g. universities, polytechnics colleges of education etc. it is established, maintained and administered by the institution if higher learning with the support of its parent institution.
   ACQUISITION: Is the art of bringing physical materials into the library either through purchase, gifts, inter-loan or exchange or through deposits. It can also be seen as the gaining of something for oneself or others.

1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows

Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.

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