Practices and Challenges in Selection and Acquisition of Collections among Academic Libraries

Practices and Challenges in Selection and Acquisition of Collections among Academic Libraries

Riza A. Laure, RL, MLIS

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.8080194

Received: 12 July 2024; Revised: 06 August 2024; Accepted: 10 August 2024; Published: 11 September 2024

ABSTRACT

This study delves into the intricate landscape of selection and acquisition processes within academic libraries, focusing on fourteen selected libraries in Region 10, Mindanao. Through a qualitative approach, the research explores the practices and challenges surrounding the selection and acquisition of library resources, shedding light on the role of Collection Development Policies (CDPs) in shaping these processes. The study uncovers a spectrum of challenges, including budget constraints, complexities of electronic resource acquisition, copyright concerns, and evolving user demands. Academic libraries’ responses to these challenges are characterized by strategic approaches such as proactive budget advocacy, leveraging online resources, fostering collaboration, and soliciting user feedback. This investigation contextualizes the strategies within the Philippine academic library landscape, highlighting modernization efforts, resource alignment with curricula, and the endeavor to navigate budget limitations. Furthermore, the study garners insights from academic librarians, elucidating their recommendations to fortify selection and acquisition efforts. These recommendations encompass fostering faculty collaboration, effective communication, meticulous resource evaluation, prudent utilization of donated materials, policy development, assertive advocacy, and a commitment to flexibility and continuous improvement. Collectively, this study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between selection, acquisition, and broader collection development processes in academic libraries.

Keywords: acquisition, selection, collection, academic, libraries, CDP

INTRODUCTION

Libraries are vital for learning and research, serving as repositories of knowledge from various eras and sources. They offer comprehensive and diverse resources essential for higher education and research. Academic libraries, in particular, play a key role in providing unbiased information, making them indispensable to researchers and learners. They house extensive collections of books, journals, digital resources, and other materials across a wide range of subjects, ensuring that users have access to the information necessary for their academic and professional pursuits.

The importance of libraries extends beyond merely providing information. They support intellectual growth, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Libraries offer spaces for study, collaboration, and reflection, creating an environment conducive to academic success and personal development. Additionally, they provide access to technology and digital resources, bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all users have the tools they need to succeed.

As new information continually emerges, it is essential for libraries to regularly update and upgrade their collections to provide the most relevant and up-to-date resources. This involves various collection development processes, including selection and acquisition. Librarians evaluate new resources based on factors such as relevance, quality, and user demand to ensure that the library’s collection meets users’ needs. Collection development is a continuous process that requires careful planning and management. Libraries must balance the acquisition of new materials with the maintenance of existing collections, making decisions about which resources to keep, update, or discard. This process ensures that libraries remain dynamic and responsive to the evolving information landscape, offering users access to the most current and reliable information available. Libraries manage these processes while continuing to oversee their existing collections (Ujah & Jacob, 2022), enabling expansions and, when necessary, the discarding of outdated titles.

A fundamental function of the library and information profession (Ujah and Jacob, 2022), collection development covers all systematic planning and rational building of collection, which includes assessing users’ needs, evaluating the present collection, determining policy, coordinating the selection of items, re-evaluating and storing parts of the collection, and planning for resource sharing (Magrill and Corbin, 1992). Further, collection development is a “chain of events that includes planning, administration, and control” (Das and Choudhury, 2014). This process is a “blueprint of the operations of the library” (Khan and Bhatti, 2021). Abdulsalami and Adeh (2020) asserted that a deficient library collection based on ill-informed decisions can have a negative impact on the academic library and, as a result, on the achievement of the institution’s aims. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (2001) led by Biblar has published guidelines in writing a collection development policy and explained the importance of a written policy to be implemented and maintained among libraries. Following the widely used conspectus model, IFLA has lined up the elements of collection development policy which are vital as they found their members lack knowledge to the said subject.

Selection, the first step of acquisition, is based on the library’s defined areas of interest and servicing patrons, and the goal is to add the maximum number of materials into the collection every year. With these newly added titles, the library is set to attract a higher patronage rate and user satisfaction, allowing it to undoubtedly provide a good quality service to its patrons.

Acquisition works on overall logistics and technical processes through which a title must undergo to officially become part of the library collection. Depending on their form and availability, materials are acquired electronically or through the traditional process of purchase and delivery to the library. A comprehensive collection makes libraries frequently visited. Patron-based libraries provide collections based on the demand of their users, making them friendlier and more convenient, with a higher checkout percentage, at least for academic libraries (Nixon, Freeman, and Ward, 2010; cited in Goedeken and Lawson, 2015). Although much research has proven this claim, the challenge of maintaining foot traffic for academic libraries continues. Also, developing a collection that successfully serves the demands of users remains a major problem for every academic or public library (Goedeken and Lawson, 2015).

The challenge in the development and selection process is amplified by the coming of a global phenomenon. With the entry of the pandemic brought by the coronavirus in early 2020, digital acquisition and safekeeping also came into place in many (if not all) libraries, in complement with distant/remote learning methods. According to Kavulya (2004), electronic information technologies provided materials acquisition with a much more efficient and organized management of titles. Databasing and digitization are important library practices done through electronic methods. Various studies have been laid out globally on the practices of the selection and acquisition of different libraries. While most of the recent studies focus on the emergence of an electronically-based library process, some of the newest research dwells on the users’ satisfaction and acceptance of the library services and other administrative factors affecting library collection.

In the Philippines, while the public restriction is still in place, libraries have slowly opened to accommodate researchers and general public users. In 2021, by virtue of CHED Memorandum Order 22, in accordance to the provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1994 and Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003 the commission has lined up the minimum requirements for libraries of higher education institutions which will be followed as standard. Included in this memorandum are provisions about a standard collection management policy, where selection and acquisition steps must be collaboratively processed by the faculty and librarians. The announcement also enumerated the materials that must be added to the institution’s collection, including at least 3,000 titles, Filipiniana resources, general education materials, periodicals, journals, non-print/audiovisual materials, and special collections. The administration’s role was also stressed, especially the presence of licensed and full-time library professionals who will manage the library’s assets, programs and services. It is still essential to point out that although CHED has released a minimum requirement list, each institution has its policies defining its ways and means of acquiring collections.

Objectives

This qualitative study inquired into the existing selection and acquisition practices of selected academic libraries in Region 10, Mindanao and the challenges they encounter during the selection and acquisition processes.

In particular, the study sought to answer the following questions:

1. What are the practices of the academic libraries in the selection and acquisition of their resources?
2. What are the challenges encountered by the academic libraries in the selection and acquisition of their resources?
3. How do academic libraries address the challenges related to selection and acquisition?
4. What are the recommendations of the academic librarians to strengthen the selection and acquisition of library resources?

Conceptual Framework

This qualitative research explored the practices and challenges in the selection and acquisition of collections in selected academic libraries in the Philippines.

As explained by Magrill and Corbin (1992), collection development covers all systematic planning and rational building of collection, which includes assessing users’ needs, evaluating the present collection, determining policy, coordinating the selection of items, re-evaluating and storing parts of the collection, and planning for resources sharing. A scrutinous process, collection development gives identity to the library’s wide array of available materials, based on the needs and characteristics of the institution it is representing. In developing the library’s collection, a deep understanding and knowledge of the academic community’s needs must be accentuated (Ashilungu, 2017).

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

Figure 1 depicts the study’s conceptual framework. The study explores the practices and challenges related to the selection and acquisition of collections in the chosen academic libraries. Through conducting a series of interviews and observations in the selected academic libraries, the study gathers details about various practices and challenges in their collection development. Key personnel from the academic libraries are interviewed by the researcher to understand their existing selection and acquisition methods and how these processes are being adapted or adjusted due to the ongoing pandemic. From these interviews and observations in the library, the researcher descriptively identifies the common practices and challenges that the academic library encounters in their selection and acquisition of materials. In this process, the researcher expects to discover factors that are currently leading to the status of academic libraries and get recommendations on how the academic libraries can address the concerns. These actions can potentially lead to the institutionalization of a standard collection development policy.

METHODOLOGY

Research Setting

This research was conducted in fourteen selected academic libraries in Region 10, Mindanao. The libraries were chosen based on their strategic locations to ensure accessibility and geographic distribution, providing a representative sample across the region. Priority was given to libraries with extensive collections covering diverse subjects to assess a wide range of resources. Additionally, libraries with a moderate number of patrons were selected to ensure the study’s relevance to a significant user base.

Research Design

The study used the descriptive research design. Descriptive research is defined as a statement of affairs as they are at present with the researcher having no control over variables. Likewise, this study sought to describe the practices and challenges relevant to the selection and acquisition of collections among academic libraries.

Participants and Sampling Technique

Following Nikolopoulou’s idea (2022), purposive sampling was utilized to identify the participants of the research.  This approach relied heavily on the location and popularity of the academic libraries.

Research Instruments

An interview is a common method of data collection for qualitative research. This method is used to explore the views, experiences, and beliefs of participants (Monday, 2020). In this study, a semi-structured in-depth interview was employed to elicit information from key library personnel about the practices and challenges of academic libraries concerning the selection and acquisition of their collections.

The interview questions for the research on academic libraries’ selection and acquisition practices cover various key areas. Initially, the questions explore the practices by inquiring about the current collection status, types of resources included, the selection process, and the criteria used. They also delve into the acquisition process, including preparation, oversight, and duration, as well as the impact of electronic resources on these practices. Additionally, the questions compare the current collection with that of 4-5 years ago, highlighting any changes and their motivations. The interview then addresses the challenges encountered by academic libraries, such as specific difficulties in selecting and acquiring materials, balancing access needs with budget and space constraints, staying informed about new publications and trends, and ensuring comprehensive subject coverage. The questions also explore how librarians collaborate with faculty, students, and other stakeholders to maintain a relevant collection. Furthermore, the interview investigates the strategies libraries use to overcome these challenges and concludes by seeking recommendations from librarians to enhance the selection and acquisition processes.

In a semi-structured interview, questions are prepared in advance. However, during the interview, follow-up questions can be introduced to delve deeper into the responses. This type of interview is considered highly effective as it allows for flexibility in questioning, ensuring that comprehensive information is gathered from the participants. The formulated questions underwent content validation by the adviser and other experts in the field to ensure their relevance to the research topic. Follow-up questions were administered as necessary and applicable, based on the direction of the interviewee’s responses.

Data Gathering Procedure

To gather data efficiently and promptly, the researcher scheduled in-depth interviews with the key library personnel. Given the qualitative nature of the research, in addition to sit-down interviews, the researcher also requested visits to the library facilities. These visits were seen to provide insights about the workspaces for selection and acquisition, the overall environment, and the operational processes involved in curating their existing collections.

Data Analysis

Upon completion of the interviews and library trips, the researcher transcribed the responses of the participants. Data were then analyzed using the qualitative approach. Such an approach included coding, categorizing, and thematic analysis of the reported practices and challenges in the selection and acquisition of library collections. The coding process in data analysis involved several steps. First, all interview responses were transcribed verbatim. During initial coding, the transcriptions were reviewed to identify key themes and patterns, and initial codes were assigned to specific segments of the text. In the axial coding phase, the initial codes were organized into broader categories, connecting related themes and identifying core concepts. Selective coding followed, where the main themes and categories were refined and integrated to form a coherent narrative that addressed the research questions. Finally, validation ensured accuracy and consistency by reviewing the codes and categories, resolving any discrepancies through discussion and re-coding. This systematic approach ensured that the data analysis was thorough and reliable, providing valuable insights into the collection development practices of the selected academic libraries.

Furthermore, data analysis also considered the minor details found in the library facilities and premises. It was also important to note the possible similarities in practices and challenges that the academic libraries might have had.

The thematic analysis was deemed useful for this research to highlight the recurring practices that the involved institutions are observing. Following Warren (2020), an observation of the themes could bring about the similarities of each concept and process in question.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This presents a thorough analysis of the selection and acquisition practices of academic libraries, seeking to uncover the strategies employed, challenges faced, mitigation measures adopted, and recommendations proposed by academic librarians. The investigation addressed the fundamental research questions, encompassing the practices and challenges in resource acquisition, the methods employed to overcome these challenges, and the suggestions put forth by librarians to strengthen the selection and acquisition of library resources. By exploring these facets, it provides a comprehensive view of the intricate interplay between academic libraries and the acquisition of resources, shedding light on the multifaceted landscape that influences the development of library collections.

Table 1. Highlighted Themes Under Practices for Selection and Acquisition of Resources

The thematic analysis of the survey responses has unveiled a rich and intricate tapestry of academic library collection development, encompassing several critical aspects. These aspects include collection size, resource types, budget constraints, specialization, and the transition to digital resources. These findings echo the insights provided by several studies cited in the review of related literature. Van Zijl’s work in 2005 emphasized the pivotal role of collection development in defining the quality and value of library services, which aligns with the continuous efforts of libraries to enhance and expand their collections to better serve their patrons.

Moreover, this analysis has brought to light the specialization of libraries in certain subject areas, echoing studies that underscore the significance of subject-focused collections. For instance, P12’s work highlighted this importance.

The shift towards digital resources, as discussed in the thematic analysis, is substantiated by the findings of Haneefa (2007) and Johnson (2010), offering valuable insights into the criteria for selecting and acquiring electronic materials.

Additionally, the challenge of meeting the requirements set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), particularly for current materials as discussed in the analysis, aligns with Abdulsalami and Adeh’s recognition of how a deficient library collection can negatively affect institutional goals due to ill-informed decisions. This connection underscores the practical implications of the research in addressing real challenges faced by academic libraries.

Furthermore, the research findings shed light on the involvement of committees in the selection process, as highlighted by Abdulsalami and Adeh (2020). This aligns with the overarching theme of committee-based selection, emphasizing the critical role played by these committees, consisting of faculty members and librarians, in establishing criteria, assessing materials, and ultimately making informed decisions regarding acquisitions.

Moreover, Ujah and Jacob’s study (2022) emphasized the importance of seeking approvals from higher authorities, reflecting the theme of centralized procurement and oversight. This aligns with the discussion on how libraries follow a centralized approach, involving higher authorities like deans and campus presidents, in overseeing the acquisition process.

Significantly, considerations related to e-book acquisition, management, and challenges, as explored by Penaflor and Garcia (2017), resonate with the theme of electronic resources and their unique requirements. The challenges related to costs, licenses, and infrastructure reflect the evolving nature of e-book acquisition and the need for updated collection development policies.

This part of the research enhances the understanding of the collection development processes, committee-based selection, centralized procurement and oversight, and the evolving nature of e-book acquisition in the context of academic libraries. We have discovered that although libraries have adapted to the digital age of storing and managing resources, there are still gaps that we’d have to address in terms of budgeting, managing standards for literatures, etc.

Table 2. Highlighted Themes Under Challenges Faced by Academic Librarians in the Selection and Acquisition of Library Materials

Just like what was mentioned, the thematic analysis of the research also uncovers a web of challenges that academic librarians navigate in the selection and acquisition of resources. These challenges align with insights from studies reviewed and help to better understand the intricate nature of the academic library environment.

One recurring challenge, as highlighted in the thematic analysis, is budget constraints. This is consistent with the observations made by Ango and Temitope (2020), who underscored the impact of dwindling book production rates due to limited financial resources. The financial constraint, supported by P1 and relevant studies, illuminates the difficulty in finding budget-friendly suppliers.

In another aspect, the theme of resource misalignment with curriculum and user needs, explored in the analysis, aligns with Joshua’s (2014) study on underutilization due to student awareness gaps. This emphasizes the importance of faculty involvement, as noted by P3 and P8.

Furthermore, the issue of resource unavailability in the analysis is supported by P9’s mention of faculty seeking alternative materials, similar to challenges discussed in studies emphasizing adaptation to evolving educational landscapes and standards, as highlighted by P14 and various researchers’ findings. P14: “Especially the changing of curriculum… affects a lot.” they said.

The exploration of literature and relevant studies pertaining to library selection and acquisition sheds light on common practices and challenges faced by academic libraries. Collection development emerges as a critical process shaping the quality of library services, encompassing activities such as assessing needs, evaluating holdings, and planning resource allocation. This process resonates with the emergent themes in my research, where academic librarians navigate challenges such as budget limitations, curriculum-user alignment, and administrative complexities.

Notably, Ango and Temitope (2020) highlighted how budget constraints have impacted book acquisition rates, paralleling the financial concerns discussed in the thematic analysis and the responses of the participants (P1, P4, P6, P11). The significance of faculty involvement and collaboration, as mentioned by Joshua (2014) and Scott et al. (2023), aligns with the theme of faculty participation and the importance of a functional partnership echoed in the participants’ responses (P3, P8). The increasing importance of electronic resources, as identified by Haneefa (2007) and Johnson (2010), is confirmed by the challenges faced by the librarians in adapting to digitization and electronic resource management (P5, P7, P14). Moreover, the challenges of inadequate infrastructure and financial support for electronic resources, emphasized by Iwhiwhu and Eyekpegha (2009) and Okogwu and Achebe (2018), find resonance with the participants’ concerns regarding technical constraints (P4, P7).

The challenges in selection and acquisition are multifaceted, with financial constraints emerging as a recurring theme. Rising costs of textbooks and limitations in budget allocation pose challenges in acquiring required resources. These financial constraints also extend to special and specialized library collections, where factors like acquisition policy, costs of foreign materials, and poor bibliographic control contribute to challenges.

The research highlights the interdependent connection between librarians and faculty members, as emphasized by Doo et al. (2019). The need for updated collection development policies, as identified by Penaflor and Garcia (2017), aligns with the global challenges of adapting to electronic resources. Additionally, the enlightening case study of the Knowledge Resource Center (KRC) of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), as conducted by Dizon and Agcaoili (2017), illustrates how collaboration and modernization efforts can catalyze transformative shifts in library services. The blending of local studies with global narratives reveals the intricacies and possibilities of how academic libraries choose and acquire materials.

Table 3. Highlighted Themes Under Addressing Challenges Related to Selection and Acquisition of Resources

For this statement of the problem, the central themes of this research encompass the strategies and approaches employed by academic libraries to address the challenges related to selection and acquisition of resources. The study encompasses three main focus areas:

Collection development policies (CDPs) are vital guidelines that encapsulate selection, acquisition, preservation, and discard of library materials. While some scholars consider selection and acquisition as separate processes, others view acquisition as involving both selection and acquiring library materials.

However, the collaboration between librarians and faculty is underscored as a critical component in addressing user demands effectively and aligning resources with curricular and research requirements. This partnership is particularly significant in the selection of electronic resources, considering various criteria such as licensing, compatibility, accessibility, and copyright concerns.

Despite the advantages of electronic resources, challenges persist, including financial constraints, technical limitations, and copyright concerns. The study suggests the need for separate collection development policies to address these sensitivities in the acquisition of electronic resources.

In the Philippine academic library context, challenges are addressed through budget advocacy, proactive approaches, planning, online research, collaboration, and user feedback. While there are success stories of modernization efforts, challenges in digitization and resource allocation still exist. Libraries are working diligently to align acquisitions with curricular needs and make advancements in areas such as archiving and e-book collections.

Regardless, budget constraints and underdeveloped standards remain prevalent challenges, even as libraries strive to enhance their resources and services to meet the diverse demands of their patrons.

Table 4. Highlighted Themes Under Recommendations for Strengthening the Selection and Acquisition of Library Resources

Lastly, the study underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between librarians and faculty to align acquired materials with curriculum needs (mostly from P1, P2, P3), reinforcing Scott et al.’s research, which emphasized faculty members’ eagerness to participate in textbook selection and their openness to exploring affordable, high-quality learning materials at Illinois State University (Scott et al., 2023).

Along with that, effective communication is another key aspect. Our research highlights the need for proactive engagement with faculty members and administrators through meeting attendance and proposal presentations (P3, P7, P8). This finding aligns with Obille’s observations in 2007, where he pointed out the importance of clear communication with stakeholders and the development of academic standards in faculty involvement and policy development (Obille, 2007).

Subsequently, the careful evaluation of resources is crucial, and our respondents advocated for this (P2, P5, P6). This approach resonates with Esposito’s criteria for selecting materials in the law library collection, emphasizing the significance of subject matter and authoritativeness of publishers (Esposito, 2018).

Though significantly, utilizing donated resources effectively is essential (P4). Our recommendation aligns with Barut and Cabanero’s case study on archiving, highlighting the importance of preserving historically and culturally significant collections, including donated materials (Barut and Cabanero, 2021).

The research also emphasizes the necessity of clear selection and acquisition policies aligned with institutional goals and curriculum needs (P11, P14). This perspective aligns with Feather and Sturgens’ definition of collection development policy as formal guidelines that clarify selection and acquisition processes (Feather and Sturgens, 2013).

Though lastly, the study highlights the need for advocacy, assertiveness, flexibility, and continuous improvement in the selection and acquisition process (P9, P13). These aspects resonate with Vashishth’s identification of challenges faced by digital libraries, supporting the call for proactive measures, adaptability, and assertiveness to address challenges and enhance resource acquisition (Vashishth, 2011).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a comprehensive exploration of the complex realm of selection and acquisition processes within academic libraries. The findings emphasize the pivotal role of Collection Development Policies (CDPs) in guiding resource selection, acquisition, preservation, and discard, ensuring that the library’s collection remains valuable and high-quality. However, academic libraries face numerous challenges in these processes, including budget limitations, the complexities of acquiring electronic resources, copyright issues, and evolving user demands. These challenges underscore the dynamic and ever-changing landscape that libraries must navigate to meet diverse user needs.

To address these challenges, the study reveals several strategic approaches employed by academic libraries. These include advocating for increased budgets, proactive planning, leveraging online resources, fostering collaborations, and actively seeking user feedback. These strategies reflect the libraries’ commitment to resourcefulness and adaptability. In the context of the Philippines, academic libraries align acquisitions with curricular needs, modernize resources, and seek solutions despite budget constraints, highlighting the importance of balancing global best practices with local constraints and needs. Additionally, insights from academic librarians provide practical recommendations for enhancing the selection and acquisition process. These recommendations encompass fostering faculty collaboration, effective communication with stakeholders, rigorous resource evaluation, prudent use of donated materials, policy development, assertive advocacy, and a commitment to flexibility and continuous improvement.

Despite the valuable insights provided, the study has certain limitations. The focus on selected academic libraries may limit the generalizability of the findings to other contexts or regions. Moreover, the rapidly changing technological landscape could quickly render some strategies and recommendations obsolete. Additionally, different types of resources, such as print and electronic, may present unique challenges that were not fully explored in the study.

Future research should address these limitations by expanding the scope to include a more diverse range of academic libraries across different regions. Investigating the impact of emerging technologies on selection and acquisition processes can provide updated strategies and recommendations. Exploring user-centric approaches to collection development can help better meet the evolving needs of library users. Longitudinal studies would be valuable in assessing the long-term effectiveness of the strategies and recommendations provided by librarians. Furthermore, examining the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in enhancing the selection and acquisition processes can offer deeper insights and more comprehensive strategies for academic libraries. These future research directions can significantly improve the selection and acquisition processes, ensuring that academic libraries continue to meet the needs of their users effective

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the findings and insights gathered from this study, several recommendations emerge to enhance the selection and acquisition processes within the academic libraries:

For Academic Institutions and/or Academic Libraries, including Relevant Stakeholders

1. Strengthen Collection Development Policies (CDPs): Academic libraries should establish and uphold clear and comprehensive Collection Development Policies (CDPs) that outline guidelines for resource selection, acquisition, preservation, and discard. These policies should be regularly updated to align with evolving user needs, technological advancements, and changing curricular requirements.
2. Enhance Communication and Engagement: Effective communication with administrators, faculty, and stakeholders is crucial. Librarians should actively engage in discussions, attend meetings, and present proposals to showcase the value of the library’s role in supporting teaching, learning, and research.
3. Leverage Technology and Online Resources: Libraries should continue to leverage online resources, digital databases, and electronic materials to bridge gaps in physical collections. Embracing digital platforms enables broader access to a variety of resources while addressing challenges related to budget limitations and space constraints.
4. Utilize Donated Resources Strategically: Libraries should appreciate and utilize donated resources by integrating them thoughtfully into the collection. Also, libraries should assess the quality and relevance of donated materials and align them with the library’s curricular and research objectives.
5. Policy Development and Alignment: Academic libraries should develop clear and well-defined selection and acquisition policies that align with the institution’s overall goals and objectives. These policies should consider factors such as curriculum requirements, user needs, and emerging trends in academia.
6. Embrace Continuous Improvement: Libraries should remain adaptable and open to continuous improvement in the selection and acquisition processes. Libraries should stay updated with industry trends, gather user feedback, and make iterative enhancements to resource management strategies.

For Library Administrators

1. Allocate Adequate Budgets: Academic institutions and library administrators should prioritize theallocation of adequate budgets for resource acquisition. Advocating for sufficient funding is crucial to ensure that libraries can acquire a diverse range of materials, including electronic resources, print materials, and other formats, to meet the needs of their users.
2. Prioritize Resource Evaluation: Rigorous evaluation of resources during book fairs and other acquisition processes should focus on content relevance, authority, and educational value rather than relying solely on titles. This approach ensures that acquired materials contribute meaningfully to the academic community.
3. Enhance Reporting and Impact Assessment: Implement mechanisms for tracking and reporting on the impact of libraries’ collections on outcomes in academia. Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of library resources in supporting teaching, learning or research objectives by means of metrics and evaluation tools that provide valuable data to make decisions.

For Librarians

1. Foster Faculty Collaboration: Librarians should actively collaborate with faculty members in the selection and acquisition process. Establishing strong relationships with faculty ensures that the resources acquired align with curricular requirements and educational objectives, enhancing the overall quality of the collection.
2. Advocate and Assert: Librarians should be proactive advocates for the library’s needs and assert their role in resource acquisition. These advocacy initiatives include presenting compelling cases to administrators, demonstrating the value of resources, and asserting the library’s importance in the academic ecosystem.

For Future Researchers

1. Explore Impact Assessment: Study and contribute to studies assessing the impact of academic library collections and services on educational outcomes, research productivity and overall academic success.

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