Designing a collection development policy for the library of Victoria University

Abstract

The project aimed at designing an improved Collection Development Policy Library. A case study research design was used and a quantitative and qualitative research approach adopted in the study. A sample size of 25 respondents was used consisting of both the library staff and students while adopting a mixed research approach in discussing findings. Respondents included library staff, lecturers and students were involved. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and observation. And it was quantitatively, qualitatively analyzed and presented with the help of tables, bar graphs and pie charts. It was established and found out that the Victoria University library has a variety of information materials ranging from physical resources to Information materials and databases. The researcher also found out that the materials at Victoria University library are traditionally collected. It was established that the strengths and weaknesses of the Collection Development Policy at VU are; Time consuming, Delay with the Information materials borrowed out, Escape with books without permission and vandalism of Information materials (Mutilation and theft). These challenges slow down the process of collection development. The study had a number of objectives and these were to; find out the status of the collection development policy of Victoria University, find out the challenges faced in collection development policy of Victoria University library and develop a suitable solution for the collection development policy The study also concludes that the Collection Development Policy attempts to provide both tools and suggestions to help librarians make the best collection decisions and to build relationships with their department(s). The subject focus is to sample online collection development policies for the entire library as well as print sources for users and other disciplines. Thus, it is expedient to adopt the newly designed and improved collection development Policy for more efficient and reliable operation of the library in its operations.