Abstract:
This research work investigated the application of collection development policies in academic libraries in North West, Nigeria. The study was guided by six specific objectives which includes to: ascertain the availability of collection development policies; ascertain the content of collection development policies; determine the extent of application of collection development policies; ascertain the perceived benefits of the application of collection development policies in achieving the objectives of the libraries; investigate the constraints to the application of collection development policies among the academic libraries; and suggest strategies to enhance the application of collection development policies in academic libraries of North West, Nigeria. A descriptive research design was used for the study. The area of the study was North West, Nigeria. A total population of 166 respondents consisting of all professional library staff of 10 out of 35 academic libraries in the zone was sampled and used. The instrument for data collected and used were; questionnaire, interview and observation checklists. The instruments developed in accordance with the research questions were face validated by three expert lecturers from the Department of Library and Information science, and the researcher’s supervisor. The researcher with the help of one trained research assistant from each academic library studied distributed 166 copies of the questionnaire to professional librarians in ten academic libraries, 160 were duly filled and returned, representing 96% of the total population. Simple percentages, frequencies, table and means scores were used for data presentation and analysis. The study was designed to ascertain the availability of policies on collection development in academic library in North West Nigeria. The results of the findings revealed that major obstacle in the application of collection development policies in academic libraries are; lack of funds, administrative bottle necks, effect of ICT among others. Some suggestions were given as; The Nigerian Library Association (NLA) should create a standard policy for academic libraries’ on their material collection development, and ensure compliance by all academic libraries. Efforts should be made to recruit more librarians in academic libraries in North West, Nigeria. The researcher conclusively, suggest that for application of collection development to be meaningful and realistic in academic libraries, officers in-charge of collection development need to be committed, appropriately trained formally and informally, and also be willing to spend considerable time and energy to develop useful and relevant policies.
