COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES IN LIBRARIES: APPRAISAL OF POLICIES, AND CHALLENGES
Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY & INFORMATION SCIENCE
Abstract
This study aims to examine and evaluate collection development in academic libraries, with a focus on policy implementation, stakeholder roles & their collaboration, and operational challenges in the libraries of the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Pakistan. The purpose of the research is to provide an empirical understanding of how collection development policies are translated into practice in a research-intensive academic environment, and to identify gaps that affect the efficiency, relevance, and sustainability of library collections. Grounded on Peggy Johnson‟s Collection Development Theory, the study conceptualizes collection development as an integrated process involving policy formulation, resource selection & acquisition, evaluation, and collaboration between librarians and faculty. Mixed method research design was adopted to ensure breadth and depth of analysis. Quantitative data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 265 teaching faculty using proportionate stratified sampling, yielding 233 valid responses. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews from head librarians of NUST libraries. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques (SPSS) and thematic analysis (NVivo) and then triangulated to strengthen the validity of the findings. The findings reveal that formal collection development policies exist, but their dissemination and practical implementation is limited. Faculty participation is mostly limited to resource recommendation, while librarians primarily act as facilitators with constrained decision-making authority. Key challenges include budgetary limitations, procedural delays in acquisition, inadequate integration of electronic resources, and the absence of a systematic evaluation and weeding process. The study highlights the gap between policy frameworks and operational realities. This research contributes to the field of library and information science by providing institution-specific, theory-guided, and empirically grounded analysis of CD practices in Pakistan. It underscores the need for improved policy communication, strengthened collaborations, enhanced librarians‟ empowerment, and more evidence-based, user-centered collection development approaches.