Bilal Shehu Mukaddam
Bilal Shehu Mukaddam
BY
SUPERVISOR DR.
USMAN MUHAMMAD SONG
JUNE, 2024
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ABSTRACT
This study examines the effect of poor implementation of collection development policy in
Academic Libraries with Federal University of Technology as case study. The data utilized in this
study were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. While the primary data were
derived from interviews conducted in the study area, the secondary data were obtain from relevant
textbooks, journals and other documents.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Collection development is a broad term which encompasses areas such as policy formulation,
selection, acquisitions, maintenance and weeding of library materials. Evans (2000) defined library
collection development as the process of meeting the information needs of the people (a service
population) in a timely and economical manner using information resources locally held, as well
as from other organizations. Globally, there are a lot of challenges confronting collection
development practices in academic libraries.
The core of the library is the collection. Its pivotal place is enshrined in the basic mandate of the
library to stock information materials to meet the needs of users. Thus, the collection, composed
of the information resources, constitutes the basic instrument of service delivery in the library.
Lending credence to this view, Ifidon (2007:1), states thus: “Beautiful buildings, well-trained staff
and modern information storage and retrieval systems can only be appreciated if excellent services
are given to users. These services cannot be given without live collections”. The significance of
the above submission is that effective service in the library is closely related to the availability of
an adequate library collection.
The academic library is a purpose-driven organization. It is the major support infrastructure for the
tripartite function of higher education, teaching, research and extension. In view of this, the need
for ‘live collections’ in academic libraries is unquestionable. A live collection is one that is well-
groomed, active and hence responsive to the needs of users. It is the functional domain of collection
development to achieve a live collection in the library. Collection development is a multi-faceted
activity. Its scope traverses acquisition, user assessment, policies, selection, weeding and
evaluation (Edoka, 2000). Similarly, Kumar et al (2008), identify the constituent parts of collection
development as assessing user needs, evaluating the present collection, determining selection
policies, coordinating selection, re-evaluating and storing parts of the collection, and planning for
resource sharing. None of these aspects of collection development is inconsequential as they all
work in synergy to ensure the functional effectiveness of the library collection.
A study carried out by Adekanmbi and Boadi (2008) disclosed some of the challenges as
inadequate constant training for information professionals, lack of adequate staff in the libraries,
lack of managerial support, absence and ineffective use of collection development policies, and
inadequate funds to support the exercise.
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According to Aina (2004), a library collection is the sum total of library materials. Thus, books,
manuscripts, serials, government publications, pamphlets, catalogs, reports, recordings, microfilm
reels, micro cards and microfiche, punched cards, computer tapes, etc constitute a library’s
collection. A lot of research findings including (Mapulanga, 2011; Chaputula and Boadi, 2010;
Kanyengo, 2009; Kavulya, 2006) have indicated that insufficient budgetary allocations had
negatively affected collection development. All these challenges summed up to poor service
delivery to clients. Federal University Dutse, Jigawa state is not left out of this snare.
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2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
This chapter reviews the existing literature on the importance of collection development
policies in academic libraries, the challenges of implementing these policies, and the
effects of poor implementation on library services. An attempt was made to review the
related literature under the following sub-headings:
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Information Literacy: A poorly implemented collection development policy can hinder
information literacy efforts, as students and faculty may not have access to relevant
resources to develop their research skills.
Collaboration and Partnerships: Inadequate collections can limit opportunities for
collaboration and partnerships with other academic institutions, research centers, and
organizations.
Digital Scholarship: Poor implementation can impede digital scholarship initiatives, such
as digital humanities and data science, which rely on robust and relevant collections.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A poorly managed collection can perpetuate biases and
gaps in representation, hindering diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Library's Role in Academic Ecosystem: Poor implementation can marginalize the
library's role in the academic ecosystem, reducing its impact on student success and faculty
research productivity.
2.3 Impact of poor implementation of collection development policies in academic
libraries
The poor implementation of collection development policies in academic libraries can have
the following impact
1. Inadequate and unbalanced collections: A library collection that lacks essential
resources, is biased, or doesn't reflect diverse perspectives, making it inadequate
for academic needs.
2. Outdated materials: Resources that are no longer relevant, current, or accurate,
potentially leading to outdated knowledge and research.
3. Wasted resources: Funds spent on unnecessary or redundant resources, rather than
essential ones, resulting in inefficient use of budget.
4. Accessibility issues: Barriers that hinder users' access to resources, such as format
incompatibility, licensing restrictions, or inadequate accessibility features.
5. Missed opportunities: Lost chances to support innovative research, teaching, or
learning due to inadequate resources or poor collection management.
6. Reduced reputation: A library's reputation suffers when its collection and services
don't meet academic standards, leading to decreased user trust and confidence.
7. Lack of alignment with academic goals: A collection that doesn't support the
institution's academic objectives, hindering student success and faculty research.
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8. Inefficiencies in collection management: Ineffective processes for acquiring,
maintaining, and evaluating resources, leading to waste and poor resource
allocation.
9. Decreased user satisfaction: Users' needs and expectations aren't met, resulting in
dissatisfaction and potentially fewer library users.
10. Budgetary challenges: Difficulty managing collection development budgets,
leading to insufficient funds for essential resources.
11. Compliance issues: Failure to meet legal or regulatory requirements, such as
copyright or licensing agreements, potentially resulting in legal consequences.
12. Loss of trust: Users lose faith in the library's ability to provide relevant and reliable
resources, damaging the library's relationship with its community.
2.4. Factors that can influence poor implementation of collection development policy in
academic libraries
Here are some factors that can influence poor implementation of collection development
policy in academic libraries,
1. Lack of clear goals and objectives: Unclear or poorly defined goals can lead to confusion
and inconsistency in collection development decisions.
2. Inadequate funding: Insufficient budget can limit the library's ability to acquire essential
resources, leading to a poorly developed collection.
3. Ineffective communication: Poor communication among librarians, faculty, and
administrators can result in a disconnected collection that doesn't meet academic needs.
4. Limited staff expertise: Inadequate training or expertise among library staff can lead to
poorly developed collections and ineffective collection management. \
5. Rapid changes in curriculum: Sudden changes in academic programs or courses can
make it challenging for libraries to adapt their collections accordingly.
6. Technological advancements: Rapidly evolving technologies can make it difficult for
libraries to keep pace with changing formats and access methods.
7. User expectations: Unmet user expectations can lead to a perception of a poorly
developed collection, even if the library is working to address evolving needs.
8. Collection development policies not aligned with institutional goals: Policies that don't
align with the institution's mission and objectives can result in a collection that doesn't
support academic priorities.
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9. Lack of assessment and evaluation: Inadequate assessment and evaluation of the
collection can lead to a lack of understanding of user needs and collection effectiveness.
10. Inadequate collaboration with faculty: Insufficient collaboration with faculty can result
in a collection that doesn't support curriculum and research needs.
These factors can interact and compound, leading to poor implementation of collection
development policies and a less-than-optimal library collection.
2.5 THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS
THEORETICAL
The aim of theoretical review of the study is to describe the concept about the problem
also this theoretical review discuss about the effects of poor implementation of collection
development policy in academic libraries
different types of materials, which the users may need. It is a term that encompasses
member of activities related to the development of the library collection including the
defined as the process of planning a stock acquisition programme, not simply to cater
for immediate needs but to build a coherent and reliable collection over a number of
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maintain consistency by orienting new staff and controlling old staff, aids resolving
complaints, weeding and evaluation of collection and collection development program and
serves as a public relations and accountability tool”.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
The conceptual framework describes the conceptual status of things being studied as well as their
relationships. It emerges from the literature (Riley, 2007) and connects the existing literature as
a tool for guiding the study objectives (Tan, 2014). The literature helped the researcher to
determine factors that could facilitate policy implementation. The literature revealed that factors
that could facilitate policy implementation are awareness of the importance of the policy,
knowledge of the policy, and management support towards policy implementation. As a result,
the researcher proposed the following conceptual framework (figure 1). The framework indicates
that awareness of the importance of CDP, knowledge of CDP, and management support are
crucial factors that could facilitate CDP implementation. The conceptual framework was later
analyzed using the data gathered from three academic libraries in Nigeria.
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5. Practical implications: The study offers actionable recommendations for librarians,
administrators, and policymakers to improve collection development policy
implementation and ultimately support academic success.
By exploring the complex dynamics of collection development policy implementation in
academic libraries, this study contributes to the development of effective strategies for
enhancing library services and user experiences.
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3.0 Research Problem
Collection development practice is an important component in the library profession. A
good library is judge by the type of collections it hold for users. The collections measure
how a particular library meets the goals, objectives and vision of the library and its parent
institution. All over the world, academic libraries are under server pressure to ensure
effectiveness and efficiency in the degree to which their collections can meet the goals,
needs and missions of the parent institution. In the collection process, there should be a
collection development policy to guide in the collection in order to build a strong and
balance collection. It appears that collections in many academic libraries are not meeting
user’s demand. This also goes to affect learning, teaching and research in the academic
environment which Federal University Dutse, Jigawa state is no exception. On account of
this, it could be deduced that any library that is not able to build strong and balance
collections will not be able to achieve the objectives for which the library was established.
It is against this background that the researcher deems it necessary to investigate how
collection development practices are done at the Federal University Dutse, Jigawa state
i. Does Federal University Dutse, Jigawa state library have guideline to effective
development policy?
ii. Is the collection development policy revised in every aspect of collection?
iii. Have the policies in any way help to improve collection development?
iv. What is the legal backing that guide the action of the libraries in the aspect of gift
and weeding?
v. What are the factors affecting collection development?
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To determine the legal backing that guides the action of the libraries in aspect of gift and
weeding.
To determine the factors affecting collection development in the library
Generally the study will provide result which will give a clear concept of the challenge
which hinders implementation of collection development policy in academic libraries. The
study will help also to overcome the challenge, to provide awareness to the staff about
collection development policy, help to enable academic library to training staff which help
the implementation the collection development policy.
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7.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The study will be conducted through the Pragmatic Paradigm which is subjective and quantitative
based on the experiences, circumstances, and situations that will explore the effect of poor
implementation of collection development policy in academic libraries: Federal University
Dutse.
7.2 Research Approach
The study will use a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative
interviews.
According to (Creswell, 2008) research designs are plans and procedures for research span
the decisions from broad assumption to detailed methods of data collection and analysis.
Mixed approach will be used in this research due to in include both qualitative research
approach and quantitative research approach. . Creswell (2009) is pointing out that with
development and perceived legitimacy of both quantitative and qualitative research in
social and human sciences, employing the combination of both approaches, has gained
popularity and the combined use provides an expanded understanding of research
problems.
The study will be conducted at the federal University Dutse library. In additional to that a
researcher chooses federal University Dutse library due to an ease accessibility of data and
availability of respondents. Also federal University Dutse library is the biggest public
university in Jigawa state and has fully advanced in terms of students intake and academic
unit.
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only 30 respondents with appropriate information about the phenomenon. Sample will be
taken according to the knowledge of problem and purposive sampling then systematic
random sampling technique will be applied on the sample taken.
Albandoz and Barreiro (2001) define sampling techniques as ‘‘the methods used in
drawing samples from a population usually in such a manner that the sample will facilitate
determination of some hypothesis concerning the population as the Purposive sampling
and systematic sampling was applied’’.
‘‘Sampling techniques is process of selecting sample’’ Enon (1999). In this study random
and purposive sampling will be used in selection of the population. The advantage of
simple random technique was to make everybody feel that he/she is going to be chosen.
Kothari (1990) define the term (sample size) as a ‘‘number of items to be selected from the
universe constitution sample’’, the study will be based on the population of 25 people due
to the limitation of time.
Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods such as
mean and regression analysis. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic data analysis.
Cooper and Schindler (2003) claims that a research design that includes safeguards against
causing mental or physical harm to participants and makes data integrity a first priority,
should be highly valued. Ethical considerations relate to protecting the confidentiality and
anonymity of the participants (Stake, 2003) and dealing with them with respect (Creswell
& Plano-Clark, 2007).
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Therefore, Informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Confidentiality and
anonymity will be maintained throughout the study.
The study will be analyzed both qualitative and quantitative. Quantitative analysis involves
the use figure, charts, table and percentages while qualitative analysis involves the use of
description. Data collected from the field area analyzed by using SPSS computer program.
Data analysis involved computation of frequencies, means and modes, minimum and
maximum of the variables
The study anticipates finding a complex relationship between implementation and academic
policy, with various moderating factors influencing this relationship. Insights from the research
will contribute to developing guidelines for balanced social media use among students.
There are some problems which are expected to be encountered during or before the study,
those problems should be put into considerations by researcher into completion of the study
and those are:
Time factor
Time allocated to accomplish the study, the six weeks will be too minimal to collect,
organize, and analyze the findings and other relevant information of the study.
Funds
The operation cost of the research may exceed the estimated budget hence causing some
difficult in carrying out the study.
Co-operation
Lacks of co-operation from some different people who are important in the completion of
the research hinder the success of the study.
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8.0 Timeline
9.0 Budget
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REFERENCES
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development policies. Collection Management, 36(3), 165-181.
Riley, T. (2007). Developing effective research proposals. Qualitative Research Journal, 7(2), 84-88.
Sambo, A., & Abu-udenyi, H. (2014). Collection Development Policy of E-Resources in Nigeria Libraries:
Certified Librarians Perception. Paper presented at the Information and Knowledge Management.
Shariff, N. (2014). Factors that act as facilitators and barriers to nurse leaders’ participation in health policy
development. BMC nursing, 13(1),
Spitzer, A. e. a. (2002). Swiss nurses' knowledge related to health care reforms: an exploratory study.
Journal of advanced nursing, 38(4), 329-340.
Anderson, J. S. (1996). Guide for written collection policy statements 2nd ed., Chicago, American
Library Association
Billings, H. (1996) “Library collections and distance information: new models of collection
development for the 21st century.” Journal of Library Administration, Vol. 24, No. 1/2,
pp. 3-17.
BURNS, Bryan A (1997:329p); Social Research method 3rd edition Oxford University Press
Buckland, Michael K. (1989). Roles of Collections and the scope of Collection Development.
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Evans, G. E., &Saponaro, M. Z. (2005).Developing library and information center collections, 5th
ed., Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited.
Evan, s G. Edward (1987). Developing Library and Information Centre Collection Colorado:
Libraries Unlimited.
Gessesse, K (2000) “Collection development and management in the twenty-first century with
special reference to academic libraries: an overview, Library Management Volume 21,
Number 7, pp. 365±372. Available at [Link]
Accessed on 9th April 2008
Hazen, D.C. (1995) “Collection development policies in the information age.”College& Research
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Intner, S. S. (1996), “The ostrich syndrome: why written collection development policies are
important.” Technicalities, Vol. 16, pp.1-3
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Katundu, D.R.M. (2005), “Collection Development in Electronic Environments: The way
3forward for libraries”, University of Dar-es-Salaam Library Journal, Vol. 7, No. 1.
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on the college of commerce university of Rajasthan, Jaipur India) (2003)
Kumar, Suresh. (2003). Collection Development in the State Central Library, Trivandrum:
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APPENDIX I
____________
____________
Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully,
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APPENDIX II
QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Name of institution
a. O’ level/SSCE [ ]
b. OND/NCE [ ]
c. HND/BLS/BA/BSC [ ]
d. MLS/MA/MSC/Phd [ ]
a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]
a. Effective [ ] b. Ineffective [ ]
development policy?
b. Library committee [ ]
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d. Others, please specify…………………………………………………..
7. What are the criteria for the selection of those who implement the
policy?
a. Academic qualification [ ]
c. Balloting [ ]
textual item?
a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]
a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]
a. 3 years [ ]
b. 5 years [ ]
d. No revision [ ]
that guides the actions of the librarians in the aspects of gifts and
weeding?
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a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]
development?
a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]
a. Yes [ ] b. No [ ]
b. Inadequate finance[ ]
b. Adequate funding [ ]
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