Selection of Library Materials in the University Libraries of Pakistan: A Survey of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

Selection process is naturally at the heart of collection development. Sound book selection policies and practices devised from the information needs of the users’ community play a fundamental role in the development of strong collection. This current study was an attempt to investigate the selection policies and procedures adopted by, the activities and behaviors exhibited by, and the outcomes produced by the university libraries of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study adopted a survey method and included all those well-established public and private sector universities, which were chartered by the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and recognized by HEC, till 31st December, 2012 in the province (Public = 17 and Private = 9, Total 26 universities). The population of this study was the senior library professionals working in the central libraries of the main campuses of all the universities of the province. Findings of the study show that university libraries of the province adopt a variety of methods for selecting library materials including selection through purchase committees, centralized selection by the central libraries and decentralized selection. However, centralized selection procedures with faculty influence is more prominent and dominating in all the universities of the province. The study suggested a dire need of collaboration between faculty and library professionals for effective collection development in the university libraries of Pakistan.