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Structural adjustment policies, currency devaluation and liberalised exchange rate on library acquisitions in the University of Malawi Libraries

Patrick Mapulanga (Chancellor College, University of Malawi, Zomba, Zambia)

The Bottom Line

ISSN: 0888-045X

Article publication date: 26 October 2012

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of the structural adjustment policies on library and information services in the University of Malawi Libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study methodology was adopted, and data – budget documents and various reports and technical papers – were collected.

Findings

Findings show that libraries in this study were affected by the structural adjustment reforms. Budgets of the libraries increased but were affected by currency devaluations, unavailability of foreign exchange to pay for subscriptions and purchase books and this had negatively impacted on the provision of library and information services.

Research limitations/implications

The study looks at implications of the structural adjustment policies in the five libraries in the University of Malawi, namely the Bunda College, Chancellor College, College of Medicine, Kamuzu College of Nursing and the Polytechnic only. However the results give a general picture of both academic and public libraries in Malawi.

Practical implications

Libraries are encouraged to consider adopting UNESCO coupons to solve foreign exchange shortages for software and journal subscriptions as well as engage international publishers with local shops to circumvent paying for library purchases in foreign currency. Libraries are also encouraged to use the Malawi Library and Information Consortium (MALICO) for bargaining prices against ever escalating journal and book prices.

Originality/value

The paper explores the impact of the structural adjustment polices in Malawi.

Keywords

Citation

Mapulanga, P. (2012), "Structural adjustment policies, currency devaluation and liberalised exchange rate on library acquisitions in the University of Malawi Libraries", The Bottom Line, Vol. 25 No. 3, pp. 123-134. https://doi.org/10.1108/08880451211276584

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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