EFFECT OF POOR IMPLEMENTATION OF COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY IN FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC LIBRARIES IN NORTH CENTRAL ZONE

EFFECT OF POOR IMPLEMENTATION OF COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY IN FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC LIBRARIES IN NORTH CENTRAL ZONE:

AN ASSESSMENT OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC LIBRARY NASARAWA.

ABSTRACT

This research is on effect of poor implementation of collection development policy in Federal polytechnic Library in North Central Zone. (An assessment of Federal Polytechnic Library Nasarawa). In carrying out the project research the question and objective were done on effect of poor implementation of collection development policy. It effectiveness, problems encountered in implementing the policies and the solution to these problem. Questionnaire was used in eliciting response from staff of academic libraries and their response was used, data analysis based on the identified problems of poor implementation of collection development policies, recommendation were made on how the collection development policies problem can be solved and also how the collection development policies can be effectively affected in Academic library. 

CHAPTER ONE

1.0     INTRODUCTION

1.1     BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The word “library” is derived from the Latin word “Liber” which means book. It has many different definitions, according to United Nations Education (2002) A “library” is an organized collection of published books and periodical services, of a staff able to provide and interpret such material as are required to meet the information research educational or recreation needs of its users. The importance of applying sound and functional policy as regard to collection development in a library cannot be overlooked because the well being of the library depends solely on the nature and quality of relevant material available. Collection development is the process the library adopts in assembling together different types of materials which the users may need. It is a term that encompasses member of activities related to the development of library collection including the determination and co-ordination selection policy. Harrods librarian glossary (2000) defined collection development as the process of planning a stock acquisition program, not simple to cater for immediate need but to build a coherent and reliable collection over a number of years to meet objective of the service. Collection development is made up of many elements which includes community analysis or user study, policies selection, acquisition weeding and evaluation, among all the elements that make-up collection development, the policy that guides it’s the most important, because it is the blueprint that guide the library in its collection. It specifies the kind of materials to be selected, acquisition procedures for evaluation of library material and weeding.

The absence of a functional collection development policy will place the library in a particular problem, situation if not properly handled will bring the library service to near halt.

1.2     STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Collection development and its policy is one of the major factors that enhance the development of a library and its collections, but unfortunately it is no longer given proper attention. Some of the libraries that claim to have collection-development policy do not implement it, while some library’s collection development problem hindering the implementation of collection development policy. Because of the high mortality rate of periodicals published in developing countries. Other problem of collection development policy include lack of finance from the library, management, lack of proper acquisition, selection and evaluation methods and other problem from the basis, for the researcher to carry out this study.

1.3     RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.     Does federal polytechnic Nasarawa have guideline to effective development policy?

2.     Is the collection development policy revised in every aspect of collection?

3.     Have the policies in any way help to improve collection development?

4.     What is the legal backing that guide the action of the libraries in the aspect of gift and weeding?

1.4     RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

1.     To find out whether federal polytechnic Nasarawa library have guideline to effective collection policy.

2.     To find out if the collection development policy is revised in every aspect of collection.

3.     To determine if the policy help to improve the collection development.

4.     To determine the legal backing that guides the action of the libraries in aspect of gift and weeding.

1.5     SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The important of the collectiondevelopment policy is to state the library position on intellectual and describe the library policy and procedure for dealing with complaint about materials. To help in minimizing personal bias by selector and to known the highlight of imbalance. In selection of materials and also to assure the continuity in collection of any size and provides a pattern in framework. The literature will add to the existing literatures in the field of librarianship. Other information organization will utilize the study to treat similar cases in their organization.

1.6     SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study was to examine the level of implementing collection development policy in library the contribution and constraint of existing policy. The problem is that the official in position of giving ultra data when approached are not always available, with that it was very different to get required information needed at the particular time. Some will ask you to come next week or come in two weeks time, but inspite of the limitation stated at the course of writing this research work the information needed were still collected.

1.7     OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS

          Definition of Basic Concept

Acquisition: Is the process of obtaining library materials to satisfy the needs of users.

Collection Development: Is gathering of materials to satisfy the needs of users.

Library: A stored house of knowledge where materials are kept for future use.

Policy: Is a procedure through which a library carries out its collection development.

Selection: Selection is the process of choosing library materials to satisfy the need of users.

Weeding: The removal of unused materials in the library.