Revitalising the knowledge ecosystem: Exploring the influence of funding on acquisition of information resources in academic libraries in Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose/Aims: The study explores the impact of funding on the procurement of information resources in academic libraries in Nigeria.

Methodology: A descriptive research approach was employed. A Google Form was created to gather responses from 35 library staff members across 28 academic libraries in Nigeria. The collected data were analysed and interpreted through frequency counts. The study population includes acquisition librarians from twenty-eight (28) tertiary institution libraries in Nigeria.

Findings: The study found that academic libraries primarily rely on their parent institutions for funding, rather than external donors or alternative sources. Respondents noted that funding shortages have hampered the acquisition and maintenance of both print and electronic resources. The study further emphasises challenges in securing and managing funding, including difficulty persuading individuals and organisations to donate and limited institutional support for fundraising efforts.

Conclusion: The findings show that unpredictable funding has led to inconsistent resource acquisition practices, slowing the growth of comprehensive, up-to-date library collections. These results are significant beyond the library sector because academic libraries' ability to provide access to a wide variety of information resources is vital to the broader knowledge network in higher education.

Study type: Research paper