Collection Management and the Challenges of Library Users: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the work is to find out the impact of collection management practices of academic libraries and the challenges of library users when accessing library materials. Design/Methodology: A survey was conducted to ensure that a wider number of library users were involved. The convenience sampling technique was used to select library users and the quantitative data obtained were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software. Findings: The main findings were: the electronic and non electronic resources of the two libraries were inadequate; University of Cape Coast Library had a section for the visually impaired, whilst University of Education, Winneba does not; some users of both libraries failed to get involved in the selection process and materials mainly used in the libraries were textbooks. Research Limitations: The work is limited to the outcome of collection building activities performed by library staff on the usage of the information resources of the libraries of two Ghanaian universities built by the Government to train graduate teachers for the country. Practical Implication: Materials in libraries are meant to be used hence collection management practices have a direct link on the patronage of libraries. Social implication: Libraries as agents of education need to be accountable to their stakeholders as public funds are used in their establishment. Originality: Using the end users of libraries to assess the influence collection management practices have on the available information resources is a way of ensuring that libraries meet the goals.

Keywords: Collections Management, Collection Development, Library Users, Patronage, Libraries, Stakeholders

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