Page 177 - DLIS003_LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Library Administration and Management

Notes The following comments are illustrative:
LUMS special focus is on collecting local grey literature, reports, statistical data and
government reports. We have no problem in acquiring foreign literature, but the
procurement of local quality literature presents all sorts of problems. Then the
government departments and ministries do not provide free access to micro-data.
We have money to spend on purchase of government publications but it is difficult
to locate this kind of material and to get access to unpublished reports. This kind of
literature is direly needed for our readers. At last, after a meeting with Director
General, Federal Bureau of Statistics we have succeeded in receiving 50% of micro
data which comes through the Bureau.
The book market is not evenly organized in all major cities of Pakistan. The cities of
Lahore and Karachi cater to the book supply needs of the country. Haider (1993)
shows serious concern about this situation, saying:

“At present, more than 85% of the English language book trade in Pakistan is dominated
by about a dozen publishers-cum-booksellers located in Karachi and Lahore. These
importers prefer to import those titles that give them the maximum profit. With no
import of their own, libraries are totally dependent on them for their purchases. At present
libraries are building their collections on the simple principle of what is available in the
market rather than what is needed. This is a point of concern for all. In essence this handful
of book importers dictates the readership habits of the people of the nation.”
The results of this study establish that the situation has not changed much despite the
emergence of electronic means of communication. For example, the chief librarian of
Peshawar University mentioned in his interview that “finding latest, quality books in the
city is very difficult and they have to contact vendors in Lahore or Karachi.” Nonetheless,
in the universities in larger cities, where librarians use the Internet for selection and
acquisition, the quality of collections is improving.

Questions
1. Analyse the case study and identify the problems in acquisition of the library material
in the university library.

2. Suggest an appropriate solution to the problem cited in the above case study.
Source: http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/~mbolin/ameen.htm

9.5 Summary

Collection building is of fundamental importance to a library.
A good collection does not just happen; it has to be meticulously planned and systematically
developed.
Therefore, collection development is one of the basic responsibilities of a librarian. He
needs both professional training and practical experience to fulfil this responsibility. It is
an area where sound theory must be transformed into systematic practice.
You have made a broad approach to this area of collection development, highlighting
some of the basic procedures and routines. This work is based on the aims and objectives
of the library and policies laid down for selection and acquisition.

It is been examined that acquisition work has three major blocks, viz., Selection,
Procurement and Accessioning.

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