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1 – 10 of 187
Article
Publication date: 1 January 1983

B.Y. Boadi and P. Havard‐Williams

Although some of the library and information centres in West Africa have access to computers, automation has not been used much in the services provided. The sub‐region may not be…

Abstract

Although some of the library and information centres in West Africa have access to computers, automation has not been used much in the services provided. The sub‐region may not be ready yet for large‐scale automation. However, there are areas in which the existing computer facilities may be beneficially employed. Such relatively simple computer operations as the production of union lists, union catalogues, directories and similar services are within the expertise of the sub‐region and call for immediate automation. The further use of automation in nationally co‐ordinated acquisition and cataloguing programmes as well as in the provision of current awareness programmes has been suggested as areas worth exploring. As in all library and information work, the active support of the various national governments is seen as necessary for the successful implementation of these programmes.

Details

Program, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0033-0337

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2006

Benzies Y. Boadi

The purpose of this paper is to determine the current state of financial support of African university libraries, and explore non‐traditional methods of providing funding for them.

1471

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the current state of financial support of African university libraries, and explore non‐traditional methods of providing funding for them.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes a comparative look at the funding pattern of library and information services in Africa, particularly academic libraries, over the past two decades.

Findings

The paper finds that the national governments, the main financial providers, are usually held liable for the continuing inadequacy of the financial support and are, therefore, seen as having ignored their financial responsibility toward libraries. This financial neglect negatively impacts the quality of services provided by the university libraries and, consequently, the quality of teaching and research programs at the universities served by them.

Originality/value

As a possible way of breaking away from the complete and absolute reliance on government funding which has proved to be unreliable, alternative ways of funding are suggested. These include information consultancy and brokerage services and other income‐generating activities.

Details

The Bottom Line, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0888-045X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2010

Aubrey Chaputula and Benzies Y. Boadi

The purpose of this paper is to look at the nature of funding for collection development activities at Chancellor College Library, University of Malawi, and see how that impacts…

1156

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at the nature of funding for collection development activities at Chancellor College Library, University of Malawi, and see how that impacts on the collection development activities of the institution.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study methodological approach was used, coupled with a review of the literature, annual financial reports and acquisition statistics.

Findings

The results of the study show that funding for collection development activities at Chancellor College Library was inadequate and that inadequacy of funding had seriously affected the library's collection development activities. Due to the prevailing conditions, the library had been forced to rely on donations and exchanges as the principal means of growing its collection.

Practical implications

The study recommends some practical interventions, which, if implemented, could ease the financial difficulties Chancellor College Library faces. The interventions include lobbying for an increase in the materials budget, drawing up proposals for possible funding by both local and international organizations, and the introduction of a library fee to be paid by students.

Originality/value

Research undertakings in the field of collection development in Malawian academic libraries are limited, causing a dearth of literature on the topic. This study is therefore significant in that it will help in some way in filling some of the knowledge gaps that exist in this area.

Details

Collection Building, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0160-4953

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 March 2014

Aubrey Harvey Chaputula

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…

1251

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 data 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.

Details

Library Management, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1992

O.R. Adeniran

This paper describes the automation experience of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs Library. It particularly describes how the library used the small computer…

Abstract

This paper describes the automation experience of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs Library. It particularly describes how the library used the small computer resources that it had to be able to start somewhere. Although the hardware resource could not take on a fully‐fledged automation plan, the library succeeded in embarking on a computer literacy programme for the staff; indexing books and serials published by the Institute; producing catalogue cards; and instigating an offline circulation system. The future plans of the library to acquire a bigger system are also highlighted.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1986

S.J. Agha

This communication emerges from a survey carried out as part of the author's Master's dissertation. Library automation in Nigeria has been a subject of attention since the…

Abstract

This communication emerges from a survey carried out as part of the author's Master's dissertation. Library automation in Nigeria has been a subject of attention since the mid‐1970s because of the spreading knowledge of the new technologies, and the efforts of Nigerian library workers, particularly those with study experience in, and contact with, the industrialised world. Evidence was found, while conducting the survey, that Nigerian library workers are enthusiastic about, and willing to use, the new technologies while remaining fully cognisant of the constraints faced.

Details

Program, vol. 20 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0033-0337

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1989

A.A. Alemna

This paper is of the view that libraries play an important role in the economic development of every country. It reviews the present state of library services in Ghana in relation…

Abstract

This paper is of the view that libraries play an important role in the economic development of every country. It reviews the present state of library services in Ghana in relation to their contributions to the economy of the country. The writer concludes that libraries are contributing very little to the economic development of the country due to various problems such as lack of funds and the misconception of the role of libraries by administrators and policy makers. Suggestions are made for the improvement of the situation, which include various contributions that the Ghana Library Association can make towards the success of the Economic Recovery Programme.

Details

Aslib Proceedings, vol. 41 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0001-253X

Article
Publication date: 27 July 2010

Victoria Okojie

The purpose of this paper is to review the different sources of financing university libraries in Africa and the challenges faced by libraries in sourcing for funds, with a view…

1624

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the different sources of financing university libraries in Africa and the challenges faced by libraries in sourcing for funds, with a view to suggesting innovative ways through which the library can raise additional funds.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the literature on different sources of financing libraries globally, especially alternative sources of funding outside government grants. It identifies the challenges faced in sourcing for funds, best practices in raising additional funds and makes suggestions on non‐conventional ways that can be used by libraries to address the challenge.

Findings

The paper finds that government provides about 90 per cent of the funds for university libraries in Africa. However, the funding is not only inadequate, but is also usually provided on an ad hoc basis. It notes that, in spite of the fact that the literature reveals that librarians are aware of the danger inherent in depending so much on one source of funding and the need to seek alternative sources, they have not done much to overcome the challenge.

Originality/value

In reviewing the various sources of financing university libraries, the paper notes that government allocation remains the major source of revenue; notes the alternative sources of revenue in different countries and describes some of the best practices available. The paper also updates the literature on the subject by discussing current practices, and makes a case for the establishment of a Business and Public Relations department in libraries, an increase in public‐private partnerships and greater efficiency in managing library resources.

Details

Library Management, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1992

A. Anaba Alemna

Examines the roles played by various international and governmentorganizations in the development of libraries in Ghana. Argues somejustification for the continued reliance on…

Abstract

Examines the roles played by various international and government organizations in the development of libraries in Ghana. Argues some justification for the continued reliance on external assistance in Ghana′s library development, despite the controversial nature of such assistance. Concludes that all government efforts should be made to supplement external assistance in the development of libraries in Ghana.

Details

Library Review, vol. 41 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 October 2011

Aubrey Harvey Chaputula

The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of the global economic crisis on University of Malawi Libraries and Mzuzu University Library.

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of the global economic crisis on University of Malawi Libraries and Mzuzu University Library.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study methodology was adopted, and data were collected using both interview guides and questionnaires.

Findings

Findings show that libraries in this study were not affected much by the global economic crisis. Budgets of the libraries had registered steady increments, and this had positively impacted on collection development activities, staff recruitment and training, infrastructure development, and internal and external travels etc. Effects of the economic crisis, though minor, were evident by the stagnation of some college budgets and absence of scholarships for training abroad.

Research limitations/implications

The study covered four of the five libraries in the University of Malawi namely the Polytechnic, College of Medicine, Bunda College, Kamuzu College of Nursing and Mzuzu University. Chancellor College Library did not participate because the researcher faced challenges in getting permission from authorities. So much as the results do give a general picture of libraries under the University of Malawi, the findings may not necessarily apply to Chancellor College Library.

Originality/value

In light of the findings, libraries were encouraged to strengthen existing income generating activities, and also explore other ways of generating revenue to cover for shortfalls in the budget that may be prompted by withdrawal of donor funds and cuts in government subvention should the global economic crisis persist.

Details

Library Management, vol. 32 no. 8/9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

1 – 10 of 187