Application of information and communication technologies in collection development in selected Private University Libraries in Kenya

Abstract

Collection development constitutes one of the most important functions of university libraries. It is designed purposely to provide the library with an information resource that meets the appropriate needs of its constituents. Collection development comprises planning, decision-making, budgeting, acquiring the materials and evaluating them. Development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has revolutionized information and changed user needs and their formation seeking behaviours. The changes occurring due to development of ICTs, are forcing university libraries to apply ICTs in their collection development practices in order to effectively and efficiently meet the changing needs of their clientele. The aim of this study was to investigate ways in which collection development practices in private university libraries could be enhanced by use of information and communication technology with a view of suggesting a framework for effective application of ICTs in collection development. The objectives of the study were to: examine collection development practices of private university libraries in Kenya; establish the current concerns and constraints in collection development practices; establish the extent to which ICTs are applied in collection development activities; explore the levels of development of electronic information resources in private university libraries; and to suggest ways in which ICTs could be used to enhance collection development practices in private university libraries. The study was informed by Ludwig von Bertalanffy’s systems theory of organizations in which a library and its interrelated activities are viewed as an open system that exists in a dynamic environment and must be adaptable and be able to change. Cross-sectional survey design was used to carry out the study and the respondents, drawn from three private universities, comprised of librarians, faculty deans, and post-graduate students. Non-probability sampling method was used to select respondents from the three private universities with the researcher utilizing purposive and convenience sampling techniques to select 72 respondents. Data for the study was collected through face-to-face interviews and administration of questionnaires. The study found out that although ICTs were commonly available in the three selected private university libraries, their impact on collection development processes had not been fully felt. Several challenges and constraints that have impeded application of ICTs in collection development were mentioned such as budgetary constraints, slow internet speed, and negative attitude and lack of cooperation by the teaching staff. The study recommends that there is need for private university libraries to apply and fully utilize ICTs in various activities of collection development in order to enhance the collection development process and efficiently meet the changing information needs of the users.