Information materials acquisition procedures for Hoima Public Library

Abstract

The aim of the research was to develop information materials acquisition procedures for Hoima Public Library (HPL). The objectives of the study were; to; determine the various types of information materials acquired at Hoima Public Library, examine the methods used in the acquisition of Information materials at Hoima Public Library,determine the challenges encountered in acquisition of information materials at Hoima Public Library and develop information materials acquisition procedures for Hoima Public Library. The study used a case study research design while adopting qualitative research approach. Purposive sampling sampling method was used to select included one (1) chief librarian and the three (3) library assistants. The study used interviews and observation methods to collect data from the respondents. The information materials available in Hoima Public Library include; text books periodicals such as magazines, newspapers, journals; government publications among others. The major method used in acquiring information materials was donations and gifts from the government and other institutions. Information resources are also acquired through purchases from the local publishers. Hoima Public Library is faced with many challenges concerning acquisition of information materials for the library users as revealed by the research findings. These challenges included; poor coordination with the suppliers, lack of user involvement in Decision Making, and inadequate information materials. The study concluded that there was a need to develop information acquisition procedures for HPL to help librarians in the acquisition of library materials. The study recommended the library staff at HPL to adopt these procedures in order to promote to utilisation of the library.