BOOK ACQUISITION IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES SOURCES AND METHODS

1.0 Introduction

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 atg 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 he 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 parents institution.

Acquisition can be define as the process of obtaining library materials to satisfy the needs of users, and its work, its 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 members 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 out side 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.

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1.2 History of Imo Polytechnic Umuagwo The Imo state polytechnic Umuagwo. Ohaji (formerly know as (Imo state of Agriculture) was established in the year 1978 by the Imo state government as an arm of the ministry of Agriculture and natural resources, with the responsibility of producing agriculturists of middle level cadre, for the prosecution of the states agricultural policies.

The polytechnic became an autonomous institution with a governing council under edict No 11 of 1979 (Law) it metamorphosed to Michael Okpara of Agriculture and technology (Mocatech) Umuagwo in 2005 following the institution of an administrative panel by the government of chief Achike Udenwa in March 30th 2004 to review the curricular and the structure of the polytechnic with a view to improving its operational capabilities. The institution was established to provide courses of study, training and research as well as development of technique and skills in all branches of agriculture and technology of a standard leading to the award of National Diploma (ND) and Higher Diploma (HND) in addition. It provides courses in areas of pre-nd assonate certificates and other short course which are mounted periodically to improve the skills and techniques of agricultural personnel and farmers. It is on record that the institution was first of agriculture in Nigeria to have its programme accredited by the National Board of Technical Education (N.B.T.E) in 1983.

The institution was finally up graded to a polytechnic status (Imo state polytechnic) in 2007 following the signing into law of bill passed by the Imo state house of assembly by his Excellency, former Executive Governor of Imo state polytechnic law. No 11 of 2007 amended the Edict No 11 of 1979 that established the institution has kept faith with its mandate of training highly skilled manpower for the development of the nations agricultural and technological sectors. About 60% of their Diplomats are self-employed while the remaining 40% are employed in the various establishments such as educational institutions. Ministries, Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) financial institutions oil companies, military and Para-military organizations among others. The polytechnic is located on 360 lectures of land, donated by the Umuagwo community in the Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta local government area of Imo state. It is sited at 26 killometres form the Owerri capital territory, on the Owerrij-port Harcourt road.

Imo state polytechnic is recognized in the comity of polytechnics in Nigeria national and international agencies such as NBTE, Jamb, NYSC, federal scholarship board and ETF.

The polytechnic status of the institution has brought about several structural and physical development as well as re-organization of coursed and the introduction of new academic programmes.

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1.3 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.

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1.4 Objectives of the Study

The objectives of this 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 f library materials.

1.5 Research Questions

• What is the meaning of selection and acquisition of library materials?
• What are the sources and method of acquisition of materials in academic libraries?
• What is the type of materials selected/acquired for the library users?
• Who are involved in selection/acquisition of library materials?
• What are the criterias for selection and acquisition of library materials in academic libraries?

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 it 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 parents 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.

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1.7 Definition of Terms

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1. Selection:

This is the act of choosing it materials to be acquired form a list publication.

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.

3. 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.