Collection development practices in private university libraries in Malawi. The case of University of Livingstonia and Adventist University Libraries
| Published date | 04 March 2014 |
| Pages | 150-163 |
| Date | 04 March 2014 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-06-2013-0050 |
| Author | Aubrey Harvey Chaputula |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries |
Collection development practices
in private university libraries in
Malawi
The case of University of Livingstonia and
Adventist University Libraries
Aubrey Harvey Chaputula
Library and Learning Resources Centre, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi
Abstract
Purpose – The aim of this research was to study collection development practices in some selected
private university libraries in Malawi with special focus on University of Livingstonia and Adventist
University Libraries.
Design/methodology/approach – This research employed a case study approach that made use of
both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data were collected using interview guides and coding
schedules. Interviews were conducted with university librarians of the two institutions. Self-administered
questionnaires were administered to the Finance Officers and University Librarians of the institutions
covered by the study to collect financial statistics and d ata relating to collection development. Qualitative
data were analysed thematically while quantitative data were analysed using Ms Excel.
Findings – Findings of the study indicated that private university libraries in this study are funded
mainly by parent institutions. Funding is not adequate as is the case with public university libraries in
the country. This had adversely affected collection development practices that include purchase of
materials and staff training. The two institutions, however, differed in terms of the other collection
development activities they undertook, and magnitude of the challenges they faced, something that
was attributed to slight difference in terms of funding they got from parent institutions.
Practical implications – The study sheds light on the collection development practices of
University of Livingstonia Library and Adventist University Library, and challenges facing them.
Some of these findings mirror those of other libraries not only in this sector, but also public university
libraries in the country. Suggestions on how the collection development challenges facing the two
libraries could be tackled have been made. It is hoped that the suggestions made could benefit other
libraries who find themselves in a similar situation, if implemented. The study findings could also
inform future researchers venturing in the same field.
Originality/value – Very little is known about the collection development practices of private
university libraries not only in Malawi but the world at large owing to lack of significant research
undertaken on the topic. This study is, therefore, significant because its findings fill up the existing
knowledge gap. If acted on, recommendations made could also help solve some of the challenges that
are being faced.
Keywords Challenges, Malawi,Collection development, Funding,Collection development activities,
Private universitylibraries
Paper type Case study
Introduction
Collection development faces a number of challenges the world over. Some of the
notable challenges as identified by Adekanmbi and Boadi (2008) are lack of constant
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
LM
35,3
150
Received 10 June 2013
Revised 6 December 2013
Accepted 6 December 2013
Library Management
Vol. 35 No. 3, 2014
pp. 150-163
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-06-2013-0050
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