Effect of Poor Implementation of Collection Development Policy In Federal Polytechnic Library, Nasarawa State

Abstract

This study examined the effect of poor implementation of collection development policy in federal polytechnic library, Nasarawa state in central northern zone of Nigeria. Fou research questions guided the study. A survey design was adopted in carrying out the study. The total population for this study was (32) thirty-two librarians. The major instrument for data collection was questionnaire. The entire population of (32) thirty-two was sampled with questionnaires and only (26) twenty-six were all returned. Data was analyzed using frequency tables, simple percentages and means scores. From the analysis, the findings revealed that collection development policy is available but encompasses only the area of acquisition. resistance to change, worn out materials, inadequate professionals/Librarians, lack of cooperation from parent organization, problem of storage facilities, lack of funds, lack of collection development policy and duplication of titles are some of the major problems encountered in developing library collections. Based on the research findings, it was recommended that libraries should have a written collection development policy that will embrace selection, acquisition, weeding, gifts and exchanges, there should be constant staff training/orientation, librarians should consult with user community in order to have first-hand needs of their information, employment of qualified librarians, provision of space to enable the library have archives where they can deposit outdated materials. The study concluded that adequate and efficient evaluation of acquisition practices and collection development in federal polytechnic library, Nasarawa state and other libraries at large would effectively support librarians, lecturers and students research output.