COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN SELECTED ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper examines collection development activities in selected academic libraries in Nigeria. Data was assembled through a combination of questionnaire and survey of documentary sources. Six (6) of the ten (10) questionnaires (60%) given to academic libraries were completed and returned in usable form. The findings show that academic libraries adopt different strategies in their bid to develop and, thus, enrich their information offerings. However, this important exercise is fraught with problems, especially insufficient book vote, high cost of materials and incompetent vendors. This situation is, however, not beyond redemption. A brief catalogue of pragmatic but cost-effective recommendations were provided to assist libraries in Nigeria and, by extension, other developing countries to expand, update and deepen their collections.