CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Introduction 

 Library services play a crucial role in supporting education, research, and community engagement by providing access to a wealth of information resources and fostering information literacy among users (Lankes, 2011). They serve as essential hubs for learning, offering not only physical and digital collections but also expert guidance from librarians who assist patrons in navigating complex information landscapes. Libraries promote lifelong learning and cultural enrichment, ensuring that diverse populations have equitable access to knowledge and resources, which is vital in an increasingly information-driven society (Clure, 2006). Library services encompass a range of activities and resources provided by libraries to meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs of their users. These services include access to books, digital resources, research assistance, and community programmes aimed at promoting literacy and lifelong learning (Baker, 2002).

Library services are influenced by several factors, including technological advancements that enhance access to digital resources and the need for tailored services based on user demographics (Choi, 2018). Funding constraints impact material acquisition and staffing, while community engagement is essential for developing relevant programmes. As information access also becomes more complex, libraries must provide guidance on information literacy to effectively serve their users (Liu, 2020). Library services are influenced by many factors some of which are the challenges of book acquisition in academic libraries.

The challenges of book acquisition in academic libraries refer to the various obstacles that hinder the effective procurement of books and other resources necessary for supporting educational and research activities. These challenges include budget constraints, complexities in acquiring electronic resources, copyright issues, and the need to adapt to evolving user demands and preferences (Laure, 2024).

This chapter is made up of the background to the study, statement of the problem, research objectives, research questions, justification f the study, significance of the study, scope of the study and operational definition of terms.

Background to the Study

The background to the study takes into consideration the historical evolution of the acquisition of books in academic libraries, conceptual background, theoretical background, and contextual background.

Historically, the history of book acquisition dates back to ancient civilizations, starting with handwritten scrolls in Egypt around 500 BC. The acquisition of books has evolved significantly from ancient times to the modern era. In ancient civilizations, such as Mesopotamia and Egypt, knowledge was recorded on clay tablets and papyrus scrolls. These scrolls were often stored in temples and libraries and were the earliest forms of writing which were etched on clay tablets and later transcribed onto papyrus scrolls which were often passed down within families or exchanged as gifts. These texts were often acquired through the labour of scribes and were typically limited to religious, administrative, or scholarly content (Ong, 1982). The Library of Alexandria in Egypt, founded in the 3rd century BC, marked a significant shift. It actively sought to acquire texts from across the known world, employing scholars to copy and translate works. Scribal guilds emerged, standardizing the production of manuscripts and ensuring quality control. During the Renaissance, the rise of humanism fostered a greater demand for literature and scholarly texts, leading to the establishment of libraries and bookshops (Febvre, 1997). The development of copyright laws in the 18th century further shaped the landscape of book acquisition by protecting authors’ rights and promoting the commercial publishing industry (Ginsburg, 2003).

The establishment of libraries, such as the Library of Alexandria, fostered a demand for books and facilitated trade among booksellers in ancient Greece and Rome. In 3000 BC, ancient Egypt, papyrus became the medium for writing, leading to the creation of scrolls. In the 15 century Johannes Gutenberg’s invented a printing press which marked a revolutionary change in book production and acquisition making books more accessible to a broader audience (Eisenstein, 1979). The 19th and 20th centuries saw the emergence of public libraries, which democratized access to books and information. However, challenges such as censorship, economic disparities, and technological changes have persisted (Baker, 2006). The rise of digital media in the late 20th and early 21st centuries has transformed book acquisition again, leading to new forms of publishing and distribution, such as e-books and online platforms (Sullivan, 2011).

Conceptually, the study is based on the following concepts; challenges, book acquisition, academic libraries, budget provision, technological advancement, Internet connectivity, impact and library services.

Challenges are the obstacles or difficulties that hinder the achievement of specific goals or tasks. In the context of academic libraries, these challenges can significantly affect their operations and service delivery. Academic libraries face numerous challenges, including budget constraints, technological changes, and evolving user needs. These challenges can impede the acquisition of necessary resources and affect the overall effectiveness of library services (Laure, 2024).

Book acquisition is the process of obtaining materials for a library’s collection, which can include purchasing, receiving donations, or exchanging resources. The acquisition of books in academic libraries is crucial for supporting educational and research activities. However, this process is often complicated by financial limitations, the need for strategic selection, and the integration of digital resources (Ujah, 2022).

Academic libraries are libraries located within institutions of higher education, designed to support the teaching, learning, and research needs of students and faculty. These libraries play a vital role in providing access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and digital materials. They are essential for fostering academic success and facilitating research, but they often face challenges related to funding and resource acquisition (Magrill & Corbin, 1992).

Budget provision refers to the allocation of funds within a budget for specific purposes or activities. It ensures that financial resources are set aside to meet anticipated expenses, allowing organizations to plan and execute their operations effectively. Proper budget provisions are essential for maintaining financial stability and ensuring that necessary resources are available when needed (Aharony, 2010). This concept is crucial for academic libraries as it directly impacts their ability to acquire resources and provide services to users.

Technological advancement refers to the continuous process of developing new technologies or improving existing ones to enhance efficiency, productivity, and overall quality of life (Brown, 2022). This evolution can be seen across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and communication (Davis, 2023). Moreover, advancements in communication technologies, such as the internet and mobile devices, have transformed how individuals interact and access information, fostering a more connected global community (Taylor, 2019).

Internet connectivity refers to the ability of devices, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets, to connect to the Internet and communicate with other devices or networks (Anderson, 2023). This connection enables users to access online resources, share information, and participate in various activities such as browsing websites, streaming media, and using cloud services (Roberts, 2022). Internet connectivity can be established through various means, including wired connections (e.g., Ethernet), wireless technologies (fore example Wi-Fi, mobile networks), and satellite links. The quality of connectivity can vary based on factors like speed, latency, and reliability, influencing overall user experience and the effectiveness of online services (Miller, 2021).

Impact is the effect or influence that one entity has on another, particularly in terms of outcomes and results. The impact of challenges in book acquisition on academic libraries can be profound, affecting the quality of resources available to users and ultimately influencing academic performance and research output. Insufficient resources can lead to frustration among users and hinder the library’s ability to fulfill its mission (Das, 2014).

Library services encompass the various functions and offerings provided by libraries to meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs of their users. Effective library services are essential for enhancing user experience and satisfaction. However, challenges in book acquisition can limit the range and quality of services offered, making it crucial for libraries to develop strategies to overcome these obstacles and better serve their communities (Kavulya, 2004).

Theoretically, the following theories have been found useful in the study and they include; Theory of Planned Behavior by Ajzen (1991), Diffusion of Innovations Theory by Rogers (1962) and The Participatory Design Theory by Schuler and Namioka (1993).

 The Theory of Planned Behavior by Ajzen (1991), posits that individual behavior is driven by intentions, which are influenced by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.

The Diffusion of Innovations Theory by Rogers (1962) emphasizes how new ideas and technologies spread within a community. This theory is particularly relevant to the E-Preferred Acquisition Strategy, as it can help explain how academic libraries adopt electronic resources over physical books.

The Participatory Design Theory by Schuler and Namioka (1993) emphasizes the involvement of stakeholders, particularly end users, in the design and decision-making processes.

Contextually, At the University of Buea in Cameroon, the need for a robust collection of academic resources is paramount, as students and faculty rely heavily on access to quality materials for their studies and research. The University of Buea library operates within a defined budget that is allocated annually by the university administration. This budget is carefully planned to cover essential areas such as acquiring new materials, maintaining existing collections, and supporting library services. The library prioritizes expenditures based on user needs and institutional goals, ensuring that funds are directed toward resources that enhance academic support.

The University of Buea Library has made significant technological advancements to enhance its services and support academic excellence. It features a digital library that provides access to a variety of electronic resources, including e-books, journals, and databases, enabling students and faculty to conduct research remotely. The library of the University of Buea is equipped with computer terminals for student use, facilitating access to online databases and research materials. Training programmes are also conducted to improve information literacy among users, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the digital landscape effectively.

Internet connectivity is a cornerstone of the library’s offerings, with Wi-Fi available for both students and staff. This connectivity allows users to connect their devices and access a wealth of online resources, making research and learning more efficient. The library’s online catalog system further enhances user experience by simplifying the search for materials and enabling online borrowing and reservation requests. By fostering a collaborative environment and engaging with the local community, the University of Buea Library plays a vital role in bridging the digital divide and promoting digital literacy. Not withstanding, the library like any other human organisation seem to face some challenges that are related to book acquisition that need to be investigated.

Statement of the Problem

Acquisition of information resources is a key practice of every library because it helps to build a healthy and balance collection. When there is a healthy and balanced collection, then the users will be able to have what they need and will be able to build their skills and capacities. In the school especially a university setting, teachers will be able to have materials to prepare for their lessons and to do further research and this will make the performance of the students to be good.

However, the situation with respect to the University of Buea Library is that there seems to be some challenges plaguing the acquisition of information resources and in that way some of the challenges faced include budget provision for the acquisition of up-to-date text books, adequate budget to subscribe  to a strong internet connectivity, frequent outage of power which affects the accessibility of the electronic resources. The University of Buea Library is also faced with the problem of internet connectivity, the limited professional staff to orientate and guide students on the relevant materials and the various sections of the Library of the University of Buea. The slow network connection affects students in getting information online which results to poor satisfaction of users. The difficulty in getting up-to-date text books for students to meet up with the modified syllabus and curriculum, and also adapt with the changing technological advancement seem to impact students’ academic achievement as seen in a rapid drop in their continuous assessment results and the semester examinations. It is due to the aforementioned that this researcher decided to conduct this study in order to propose some recommendations.

Objectives of the Study

The objectives of the study include general and specific objectives

General Objectives of the Study

The main objectives of this study is to investigate the challenges of book acquisition in the University of Buea Library.

Specific Objectives of the Study

1. The specific objectives that guided this study include to:
2. Access the impact of budget provision on book acquisition in the University of Buea Library.
3. Explore the impact of technological advancement on book acquisition in the University of Buea Library.
4. Determine the impact of internet connectivity on book acquisition in the University of Buea Library.

Research Questions

This study is made up of the general and specific research questions.

General Research Question

What are the challenges of book acquisition in the University of Buea Library?

Specific Research Question

The following research questions guided this study;

1. How does budget provision impact on book acquisition in the University of Buea Library?
2. How does technological advancement impact on book acquisition in the University of Buea Library?
3. How does internet connectivity impact on book acquisition in the University of Buea Library?