Collection Development Variables and Use of Library Materials in Academic Libraries in South-South Geo-political Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the “relationship between collection development variables and use of library materials in academic libraries, in South-South, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study, three research questions were raised, and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study”. Literatures related to the variables under study were reviewed; accordingly, the design for this study was ex-post facto design with a total population of 16620 students with a total of 800 as the sample for the study. This was done with the help of stratified and purposive random sampling techniques. The questionnaire titled: Collection Development Variables and Use of Library Materials in Academic Libraries Questionnaire (CDVULMALQ) was the instrument used for data collection. The instrument was validated by two experts in measurement and evaluation. The reliability of the instrument was established through the spilt-half method. A trial test gave reliability estimates of 069 to 086, and the hypotheses were tested at a .05 level of significance using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis. The results of the analysis revealed a significant relationship between acquisition, weeding, and preservation of library collection and the use of library materials. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that: Government should pay more attention to funding and acquisition of library materials for academic libraries.