Challenges of collection development in IMO State Public Library, Owerri

Abstract

The work focused on challenges of collection development in Imo State Public Library, Owerri. Four research questions were formulated to guide the study. Survey research design method was used to conduct the study. The population of the study comprised the entire 92 staff of the public library studied. Questionnaire in a rating scale was used as instrument for data collection. Descriptive mean statistics was used to answer the research questions. Findings of the studied showed that there were challenges confronting collection development in Imo State Public Library, Owerri, which include; non – adherence to collection development policy, irregular revision of collection policy, inadequate coverage of all disciplines, ambiguity in interpreting collection development policy, inadequate fund for purchasing of selected information materials, high cost of library materials, theft of library materials, administrative bottle neck, management sentiments in acquisition of information resources and bad fiscal government policies that have hindered the development of public libraries in Nigeria since Nigeria independence in 1960. Based on the result of the findings of the study, recommendations were made that public library administrators must ensure that all challenges of collection development are solved with greater enthusiasm that will assist in improving and increasing the reading skills and learning habits of students and members of the general public. They should acquire information resources that conveying values, experiences and techniques that can be used actively to engage 'learners’ in the learning process.