The development of academic library collections in Malawi: A case study of Chancellor College Library

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to study the challenges that Chancellor College Library was facing in developing and maintaining its collection. The study addressed the following research questions: Does Chancellor College Library have a collection development programme, and if so, how effective is it? How adequate is the funding for collection development activities? How suitable are the collections to the needs of users? What are the other factors that may be militating against collection development activities? What are the possible solutions to the identified problems? The research was a case study whose study population included library staff, students and academic staff. The total research sample was 492, which was 16 percent of the population size. Data for the study was collected through questionnaires, interviews and document analysis. Quantitative data collected was analysed by use of the SPSS whilst qualitative data was analysed thematically. The response rate was 82%. The key findings of the study were that Chancellor College Library did not have a collection development policy, and this had affected a number of collection development activities such as materials selection and acquisition, weeding and preservation. The study also revealed that the library was not adequately funded, the collection was largely not suitable to the needs of the users and the sitting capacity was low. Limited security was another problem that was identified. Inappropriate selection methods, guides and tools were also used. In the light of the problems identified, the researcher recommended that a collection development policy be adopted for use. This would facilitate the development of a good collection. It was again recommended that more money be sourced through increased budgetary allocations from government and other donors. Automation and air conditioning of the library were also recommended. Finally, the researcher recommended that a similar study covering more academic libraries in Malawi be undertaken to uncover problems that the other libraries are facing.