ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of Wallaga University for their
unwavering support and commitment throughout this research project. Their expertise, enthusiasm,
and collaborative spirit have been invaluable in shaping the direction of this study.

Special thanks to Information science Department for their assistance in gathering data, providing
insights, and sharing their experiences with library programs and services. Their passion for fostering
community engagement and promoting access to information has inspired me and enriched my
understanding of the vital role libraries play in today’s society.

I also appreciate the encouragement and guidance from library leadership, whose vision for innovation
and excellence has created an environment conducive to exploration and growth. This project would not
have been possible without the collective efforts of the entire library staff, whose dedication to serving
our community is truly commendable.Thank you all for your support and for being champions of
knowledge and learning.

1
ABSTRACTION

Library Collection Development Policy is a comprehensive framework that guides

the acquisition, organization, and maintenance of information resources within a
library. It serves as a roadmap for librarians, outlining the principles, strategies,
and procedures that govern the development and management of the library’s
collection. The policy is rooted in the understanding that an effective collection is
vital to fulfilling the library’s mission and objectives and meeting its user
community’s diverse information needs. By establishing clear guidelines and
criteria for resource selection, the policy ensures that the collection remains
relevant, balanced, and aligned with the institution’s educational, research, and
cultural goals. It considers various factors, such as the library’s budget, user
preferences, emerging trends in information formats and technologies, and the
dynamic nature of knowledge production and dissemination.Moreover, the policy
addresses the ethical considerations of intellectual freedom, diversity, and
inclusivity, striving to provide a collection that reflects the broad spectrum of
human experiences, perspectives, and interests. Through systematic evaluation
and ongoing assessment, the policy enables the library to adapt and refine its
collection to keep pace with evolving information needs and advancements in
scholarship. Overall, the Library Collection Development Policy is a cornerstone of
effective collection management, ensuring that the library remains a vibrant and
valuable resource for its users.

2
PART 1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND OF WALLAGA UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

1.1INTRODUCTION

Information resources in library forms have been collected and preserved for future generations and
posterity from ancient times. India has a rich tradition of learning and education was considered as the
most important tool for self-realization. There is “no country where the love of learning had so early an
origin or has exercised so lasting and powerful an influence. The importance and respect with which a
nation views its universities and higher education systems reflect its appreciation of the role of these
institutions in nation-building. Higher education is witnessing sea changes as the universities and
colleges are striving for achieving high standards at the national and international levels. University
libraries are playing a major role in the development of higher education. This is reflected in the way
libraries are developing their collections, providing facilities and delivering services. Collection available
in the library should meet the needs of the user community for which discussions with specialists are
necessary to identify and locate the required information. A holistic collection incorporates the
characteristics of both traditional collection and the changes brought by technology. Since collections
are developed primarily for serving the information needs of the users, how users perceive a collection
while seeking information and how the collection can facilitate information seeking are important
factors to be considered while developing collections. For a collection to be useful, the items should be
selected based on the community’s needs (Lee, 2000). Several studies are being conducted at the
national and international levels for assessing the user satisfaction level, evaluation of collections and
how to update the existing collections to meet the changing requirements.

3
1.2 BACKGROUND OF WU LIBRARY

The Collection Development Policy of the University of wallaga Libraries governs the acquisition,
disposition, placement, and access to materials that support the research and teaching needs of
students and faculty, in accordance with the missions of the University and the Library.

The wallaga Libraries’ general collection supports the core studies and interdisciplinary work of the user
community. Library resources serve students through access to excellent scholarly material; access is
made possible through traditional purchasing as well as subscriptions to electronic resources, user-
driven selection programs, and open access materials.

The wallaga Libraries serve a diverse constituency with varied experiences, backgrounds, abilities, and
needs. We endeavor to attain equity of ideas and diversity of voices in the research materials provided
to users of the collections. We affirm our alignment with the Association of College & Research Libraries’
Diversity Standard Librarians and library staff shall develop collections and provide programs and
services that are inclusive of the needs of all persons in the community the library serves.’

The Collection Development Department, working in collaboration with selectors ranging from subject
librarians to faculty and students, are committed to a strategy of cultivating collections that include
multiple formats and languages, various types of publishers and WU libraries of origin, content
produced by and demonstrative of historically excluded groups, and a multitude of viewpoints.
Collection development activities (resource evaluation, acquisition, description, location, retention,
preservation, investment in open access) will reflect the varied, evolving, and increasingly
interdisciplinary curricula and research of library, and include regular assessment, examining
representation, inclusivity, varieties of perspectives, and collection gaps.

Selection: refers to the act of choosing materials to make accessible to WU Libraries patrons via the
Libraries catalog, discovery system, website, or other means. Selection does not necessarily imply
permanent ownership.

4
Wollega University Library and Documentation Service was set up in January 2007. The main goal of the
Library is to back the university to achieve its goal of research-based, student-centred teaching-learning
task and knowledge transfer. The Library is located in the main campus, Nekemte. It gives 24/7 full
library service; it also gives Internet and information service to about 30,000 student population and
more than 1500 faculties.

Currently, WU library is automated with Koha library management software. The Library’s specific
purpose is to help the parent organization conduct its teaching-learning, research, and publication
activities through providing information, references, research, current awareness service (CAS),
Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI), recreation and reading services. WU Library is run by
about 200 library staff and departmentalized to give library, information and documentation service to
its patrons.

The library has has different branches (sub-libraries) throughout the campuses. These are FBE Library,
Engineering & Technology Library, Digital Library, VDI Library, PG Library, Law Library, Health and
Medical Science Library and so forth.

collections.

1.3 Collection Development policy in Libraries

The primary function of libraries and information centres is to assist in accessing information and
gathering knowledge. Collection development is the central professional function of any library since the
very concept of a library is primarily associated with the idea of a collection. Developing library
collection is one of the most demanding and challenging professional functions of a library which
requires a deeper knowledge and understanding of the service community, institutional priorities and
information & publishing industry. According to Evans & Margaret (2004), collection development is
“the process of identifying the strengths and weaknesses of a library’s materials collection in terms of
patron needs and community resources, and attempting to correct existing weaknesses if any”. It
involves the framing of a systematic plan for creating library collections that will meet the needs of
library users and incorporates several activities like determination and co-ordination of relevant policies,
fiscal management, assessment of user needs, collection use studies, collection analysis, identification of
collection needs, selection of materials, planning for resource sharing, collection maintenance, weeding

5
and user liaison, and outreach activities. Collection development is a dynamic process that requires the
involvement of both library professionals and the service community. The need and value of client input
are not given due importance or often neglected which is a drawback since resources in libraries are
intended to meet the needs of the community. It should be an inclusive process taking care of not just
the most active users but the total community’s needs and incorporating all types of formats. It should
also have a plan to rectify weaknesses and maintain strengths.

1.3.1 Objectives of collection development policy

The aim of academic library in collection building is meeting the changing needs and demands of the
present and future. The following are the objectives of collection building:

1. Building up the collection in depth at a comprehensive level in all the necessary areas.

2. Supporting the research by acquiring and issuing the relevant documents to the research scholars.

3. Adopting systematic and judicious spending on document collection, keeping the objectives of
collection building in mind.

4. Understanding the user needs and select documents according to their tastes.

5. To have a strong belief for a written development policy.

1.3.2 Scope Of The Collection Development Policy

The Collection Development Policy applies to the General Collection of the University of wallaga
Libraries.

Some unique collections of the WU Libraries have individual collection policies. The unique collections
are governed by the Collection Development Policy, but are allowed variance in primary and secondary
clientèle, selection guidelines and collection maintenance. The variance will be determined by the heads
of unique collections to meet the needs of the special materials and their clientèle.

For information on collection development in WU unique collections, please see the following policy
statements or collection websites: Special Collections, Government Documents, Media Library, Digital
Collections, and Music Library.

6
For other related policies, please see the Born Digital and Open Access Resources Collection
Development Policy, Reconsideration of Materials Policy, Gift Policy, and General Collection Research
Data Policy.

1.3.3 Goals Of Collection Development

WU Libraries’ collection development activities emphasize collections as a “just in time” service,

designed to meet current users’ needs, take advantage of emerging acquisitions models, and maintain a
sustainable, holistic, and flexible collection plan within allocated budgets. The WU Libraries
demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based decision-making by continually assessing the
collections and their impact on learning and research.

Collection Development goals include:

 To provide an excellent user experience.

 To provide access and discoverability to collections that respond nimbly at point-of-need.
 To facilitate big-picture design of the collections with input from all stakeholders.
 To apply new technologies to the wise stewardship of funding.
 To collaborate with students and faculty to determine user needs.

1.4 Fund Allocations

Each year the Libraries’ materials budget is set by the University Librarian and Vice Provost based on
the recommendations of the Collection Management Division and with review by the Academic
Financial Officer. The materials budget is intended to support the University’s overall goals of
delivering high quality education, enhancing student success, and expanding knowledge through
research, scholarship, and creative activity.

Funds are set aside to cover current costs and anticipated inflation for serial resources, including
databases, journals, and standing orders. Funding is also designated for one-time purchases like books,
back files, and archival collections. Each year, expenditures are planned on a targeted set of special
enhancements, based on evidence of need, and to support other special projects.

7
1.5 Responsibility For Selection

Ultimate responsibility for the development and maintenance of the general and unique collections
rests with the University Librarian and Vice Provost. Delegated responsibility for coordinating the
collection as a whole lies with the Collection Development Department in close consultation with
subject librarians, who represent the needs of the students and faculty.

Academic faculty and subject librarians are responsible for recommending resources in the fields of their
particular expertise to support the curriculum and research mission of the University.

1.5.1 Selection Guidelines

The Libraries will provide access to materials in all appropriate formats and subject areas, and provide
appropriate means of discovery. The WU Libraries bases collection development decisions on objective
and subjective evidence via continuous assessment. Requests to acquire materials in WUested or
inaccessible formats will be referred to the Senior Associate University Librarian for approval. Exceptions
to the stated guidelines will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis as necessary by the Collection
Development Department.

In striving to meet its obligations within the limits of its resources, the WU Libraries will follow these
guidelines for the general collections.

1.General Selection Guidelines

General selection guidelines for all materials are:

Support for curriculum and research: Materials must relate to the teaching and research of current WU
students and faculty. The Libraries’ materials budget will support access to and/or discovery of materials
available for use by students.Lasting value: Longevity of the content, including but not limited to:

Interdisciplinary resources that can be used by many researchers are favoured.

8
Anticipated value to the current patron population based on predicted need, demonstrated by evidence
such as feedback from trials.

Quality of scholarship (the information in the resource logically pertains to its apparent subject; the
information is reliably accurate, demonstrably factual and reasonably comprehensive or complete
within the context of the subject; and the citations or links within the resource are valid).

Uniqueness of content or treatment. Interdisciplinary resources that can be used by many researchers
are favoured.

Appropriateness of the level of treatment (depth, breadth, etc. ). Full-text access is preferred to indexing
services.

Objectivity (the information presented is open to verification and validation within the context of the
subject).

Currency of information and/or frequency of updating, as assessed within the context of the subject.

Quality of the physical condition of the product, if applicable.

Organization: how the information is organized and retrieved; quality of indexing or MARC records.

Usability and accessibility: WU Libraries will not purchase materials for individuals or materials restricted
to single-user access; or purchase materials whose use is limited to a sub-set of the patron population.
WU Libraries will purchase materials that meet accessibility standards for users.

Cost and terms: When purchasing, WU Libraries will consider overall cost, purchasing method, predicted
cost-per-use.

Strength of present holdings in subject areas or similar subject areas.

Authoritativeness of the author and/or reliability of the publisher, compiler, producer, vendor, etc.

Format: Preference will be given to materials in electronic format.

Consortia holdings: Holdings of libraries or consortia with which the WU Libraries have cooperative
agreements or of libraries within the WU System must be considered when making selection decisions.
Consortia or system agreements may override local requests for ownership.

9
Multiple copies: 3 or more print copies of any title shall not be purchased without approval by Collection
Development Department personnel. Purchasing an electronic version is preferred to purchasing
multiple print copies.

Consumable materials: WU Libraries will not purchase materials intended to be consumed (e. g.
workbooks, tests, software, etc. ).

Textbooks: WU Libraries will not purchase or maintain a collection of currently adopted textbooks for
coursework. Requests for purchases of textbooks will be considered on a case-by-case basis; textbooks
must have value beyond that of a textbook to be considered for inclusion. Donated textbooks may be
added to the collection.

2.Electronic Resources Selection

Electronic resources shall be selected based on the following characteristics in addition to those stated
above:

Remote access availability and number of simultaneous users allowed. Resources restricted to a specific
location will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Usability: Standards for the proper functionality of the resource include but are not limited to:

Absence of additional non-standard or proprietary technology,

Absence of additional fees or registrations,

Absence of barriers for accessing text directly in order to change displays for alternative methods of
viewing.

Accessibility for patrons with disabilities;

Ease of use for novices;

Device compatibility;

Adequate help resources;

Adequate output options (printing, downloading);

10
Adheres to established standards for readability and usability;

Availability of digital archiving rights; and

Ease of archiving, replacing, or preserving.

Network hardware and/or software compatibility.

Quality and usability of retrieval/search engine.

Availability and quality of vendor support.

Compliance with minimum standards for licensing and contract terms. Licensing considerations include,
but are not limited to:

Texas state contract requirements;

Interlibrary Loan rights;

Right to include in course packs;

Patron privacy protections; and

Restrictions on other activities such as resource sharing and data mining.

Treatment of graphics, formulae, and other non-standard characters.

Availability of standardized usage statistics.

Other technical manageability concerns.

3.Continuing Resources

Serials selections and purchases will be guided by the following guidelines as well as those stated above:

Current serial subscriptions are reviewed annually by the Collection Development Department and
subject librarians for continued appropriateness to the University’s and the Libraries’ mission;to ensure
the most efficient use of library funding; and to meet consortia or system agreements.

1.6 Collection Maintenance

11
Deselection

Because of the research status of the WU Libraries, deselection, or “weeding,” is done on a limited basis.
Any weeding from the collections will be the responsibility of the Collection Development Department
and the subject librarian in consultation with appropriate library departments and/or unique collections.
Types of materials that might be considered for deselection include, but are not limited to superseded
materials, surplus materials, or deteriorated materials. See also Disposition of Library Materials Policy.

Placement Of Materials

Patrons have access to library materials unless the needs of the Libraries’ primary clientèle necessitate
special placement in reserves. The primary reason for placing items on reserve is that they will be used
repeatedly by large numbers of patrons, e. g. required or recommended reading selected for courses by
faculty members.

Materials may be considered for placement in a secured location or reserves for the purposes of
preservation or security. The Head of Collection Development or subject librarian is responsible for
making placement decisions for these purposes. Librarians will consult with heads of unique collections
before placing items in those collections.

Reconsideration Of Materials

The WU Libraries are committed to the principles of intellectual freedom as outlined in the American
Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights. Challenges to collection development decisions are governed
by our Reconsideration of Materials Policy.

1.7 Problems of Collection Development

In developing their collections, libraries in developing WU libraries are faced with a lot of
problems.

12
1. Inadequate Fund: The acute inflation in the developing WU Librarians has also resulted in high
cost of library materials. The WU libraries receive is based on the whims and caprices of the heads
of the institutions and council members. The financial predicament of libraries has made it
impossible for them to order information materials from developed WU libraries. There is budget in
libraries.

2. Underdevelopment of the local publishing industry and book trade industry: Publishing is
not well-developed in developing WU libraries like Nigeria. Although the number of indigenous
publishers has improved over the years, most of them publish only textbooks. The quality of job
done by some of the indigenous publishers need to be improved. This poor quality affects the
building of standard library collection.

3. Foreign exchange problems: It is usually impossible to procure materials published overseas without
obtaining the appropriate foreign currency. This means that libraries that acquire foreign
books must pay at least thrice the publishers price given the rate of exchange.This is
detrimental to libraries given the low book vote.

4. Lack of collection development policy: Some libraries do not have written or articulate collection
development policy. They tend to take decisions on the improvement of the library collection when the
need arises. This is bad because it can lead to subjectivity and misplacement of priority. It is important
that every library should have a written collection development policy. This will make for effective and
efficient development of library collection.

5. Inadequate bibliographic tools: The selection of library materials in developing WU libraries is

based.

6. Lack of automation/ICT: Few libraries in developing WU libraries are automated, so it is

difficult to carry out collection development through on-line process.Information
Communication Technology which is based on on-line access to bibliographic tools, book
supplies,ordering and financial transaction, has reduced the drudgery associated with
collection development in developed WU libraries.

7. Transport, Communication and Postal Problems: In Nigeria the telecommunication and mail delivery
services are far from being effective. Our roads are in deplorable conditions. All these make the
process of procuring library materials very cumbersome and time consuming.

13
PART 2 WU LIBRARY SERVICES

2.1 WU LIBRARY SERVICES

Acquisition and cataloguing section: to adopt book selection policy, to select books, ask and prepare
library budget, place purchase order, receive (acquire), accession new books, catalog new books upon
arrival, prepare the card catalog or book format catalog or computerized catalog and display for public
access, etc.

Circulation Section: Circulation Section handles the Front Desk operations of the library and is very
important because it is the first contact point for faculty and users to the library.

Classification Section: to classify all information resources using DDC classification scheme, to assign
book Call No and give book label, to prepare shelf guide list and arrange books according to the
classification scheme on the shelf, etc.

Binding and Documentation Section: to give reprographic service such as photocopying, duplicating
scarce documents, to bind, to mend damaged books, and bind paper copy books with hard cover to
extend books’ life, and other documentation tasks.

Book store section: to receive and organize books, to keep inventory control of all books and related
information materials, to shelf and preserve books, to distribute books to the concerned branch libraries
and departments, etc.

Reference Section: to give readers’ advisory service to users on how to use the library, to answer
reference questions, to display new arrivals, to arrange dictionaries, encyclopaedias, almanacs,
yearbooks, maps , atlases, gazetteers, to give library orientations and instructions to the users, to give
current awareness service (CAS) and selective dissemination of information (SDI) to its special users, etc.

14
Periodical Section: to subscribe to government and private newspapers, to prepare and display
newspapers, magazines, journals, serials; to organize and display periodical publications on various
subjects and current issues, etc.

ICT Section: to give computer service, INTERNET and email service, to assist and give consultancy service
on how to use and exploit other electronic information media of the library, assist and advise how to
browse the web for educational sites, etc.

E-Library Section: to give electronic books service, to log into different university libraries over the
INTERNET, etc

Administration section: to plan, manage and coordinate the overall library works; to direct and evaluate
the works being done; to supervise and lead the library as well as prepare reports to concerned body to
achieve the stated goal of the University.

E-Resources and Useful Links

Digital Library

Welcome to Dspace Digital Library page, you can access here wide variety of data like Text files, Audio
files as well as Video files. We are provided both on-line and off-line links, when students are in within
campus can click and access off-line links and when they are in out side the campus need to select on-
line links. We are providing here subject wise link for our students community.

2.2 OVERVIEW OF LIBRARY SERVICES

Libraries offer a wide range of services catering to their users’ diverse needs.
From providing access to a vast collection of books and resources to
delivering innovative programs and technologies, libraries have become
dynamic hubs of knowledge and community engagement. This brief
overview will explore some of the key library services that contribute to the
enrichment of individuals, support education and research, foster literacy
and lifelong learning, and promote community development. Whether it’s
traditional services like lending materials and reference assistance or
modern initiatives like digital resources and maker spaces, libraries play a

15
vital role in connecting people with information and creating inclusive spaces
for exploration, discovery, and personal growth.

1. Circulation Operations:

Library circulation operation is a fundamental aspect of library

services, enabling patrons to borrow and return materials from the
library’s collection easily. This essential process ensures the smooth
flow of resources and supports equitable access to knowledge.

2. Reference Service.

Library reference services are a cornerstone of library offerings, providing

invaluable assistance and guidance to patrons searching for information.
These services are designed to help users navigate the vast sea of resources
and find the answers they seek. Whether it’s a quick fact check, in-depth
research, or guidance on utilizing library resources effectively, reference
services are pivotal in empowering users and promoting information literacy

3. Information Service

Library information services are crucial in connecting users with the

information available within libraries. These services encompass a wide
range of offerings designed to facilitate access to resources, promote
information literacy, and support the diverse needs of library patrons

16
.

PART 3: METHODOLOGY

3.1 Methods of Collection Development

collection development is the process of planning and acquiring a balanced collection of

library materials of many formats including Books, Periodicals, On-line resource and other media”
(Wikipedia). “Collection Development is the process of planning a stock acquisition program not simply
to cater for immediate needs but to build a coherent and reliable collection over a number of years to
meet the objective of the services” . “Library Collection is the sum total of library materials, books,
manuscript, serials, government documents, pamphlets, catalog, report recording, microfilm reels,
micro cards and microfiche, punched cards, computer tapes, etc. that make up the holding of a
particular library” (Encyclopaedia of library and information science). There are various methods of
Library collection development which are as follows:

1) Purchase: It is the primary method of acquiring documents in a library. The library

acquires most documents by directly purchasing them from the publishers or agents if
there is no other way is open for the collection development.

2) Gift or donations: Gift is an important source of developing library collections. No

library can afford to purchase all the reading materials needed or demanded by the
users of the library. So up to some extent library rely on this method. Some publisher
provides specimen copies of the documents to the library. These specimen copies come
under the category of gift.

3) Institutional membership: The library may enlist itself as a member of learned

societies and various institutions which publish useful materials often the membership
subscription may cover the right to receive their publication either free of cost or at
concessional prices.

17
4) Deposit system: It entitles some specially designated libraries to receive free
copies of the publications brought out by the government, national and international
organizations. There are many university libraries and state central libraries enjoying
these benefits.

5) Exchange: Exchange is another important method of building up the library

collection. Exchange of materials between libraries, learned societies, institutions, and
government serve a number of purposes such as:

Procurement of out-of-print and rare books that cannot be obtained from any other
sources.

Acquiring publications that are not for sale or not distributed in the usual book trade
channels is particularly true in the case of foreign government documents and reports.

Obtaining government publications on a regular basis.

Using to best advantage the duplicates of the library as well as its own publications or
those of the parent organization by offering them in return for publications not
represented in the library’s collection.

It is thus a valuable source for filling up gaps in the collections. The exchange also
promotes goodwill among the libraries, especially at the national level

3.2 Audience of Wallaga University Library

1. Students

Undergraduate and Graduate Students Access to academic resources, research materials, study
spaces, and library services.

2. Faculty Members

Professors, Lecturers, Researchers,Availability of scholarly articles, books, and resources for

teaching and research purposes.

3. Library Staff

18
Librarians, Library Assistants, Archivists Efficient cataloging, resource management, user
support, and administrative tasks.

4. University Administration

University Executives, Academic Deans,Budget allocation, library services' impact on academic

performance, and overall library effectiveness.

5. Research Community

Researchers, Scholars, Postgraduate Students Access to specialized databases, archival materials,

inter-library loans, and research support services.

6. External Visitors

Community Members, Other Researchers Access to library resources for personal research or
continued education.

7. IT Department

IT Managers, Systems Administrators,Library management systems, digital resource

accessibility, and technical support.

8. Regulatory and Accreditation Bodies

Government Agencies, Educational Accreditation Organizations Compliance with educational

standards, library services evaluation, and resource availability.

9. Support Services

Maintenance and Security Staff Ensuring a safe and conducive environment for library users.

Understanding the diverse audience of the library at Wollega University is essential for tailoring
services, resources, and communication strategies to meet their specific needs. Engaging with

19
these groups will enhance the library's role as a vital academic resource and support the
university's educational mission.

3.3 Analysis (findings) of Wallaga University Library

To analyze the collection development for the library of Wollega University, consider the
following key areas:

1. Current Collection Assessment

Evaluate the existing collection to identify strengths and weaknesses in various subject areas.
Conduct surveys or focus groups with students and faculty to gather feedback on their resource
needs and preferences.

2. Objectives and Goals

Define clear objectives for the collection that align with the university's academic programs and
research initiatives. Set measurable goals for expanding and improving the collection.

3. Selection Criteria

Review the criteria used for selecting new materials, ensuring they encompass relevance,
authority, diversity, and accessibility. Consider including perspectives from various stakeholders
to enhance the selection process.

4. Budget Considerations

Analyze the library's budget and funding sources to determine financial constraints affecting
collection development.Explore alternative funding opportunities, such as grants or partnerships,
to support acquisitions.

5. Diversity and Inclusion

20
Assess how well the collection represents diverse voices and perspectives.Develop strategies to
include materials that address gaps in representation.

6. Technology Integration

Evaluate how digital resources are integrated into the collection and the effectiveness of current
technologies.Consider the balance between physical and digital formats to meet varying user
preferences.

7. Collaboration and Resource Sharing

Investigate partnerships with other institutions for resource sharing and cooperative collection
development.Assess the effectiveness of any existing collaborations.

8. Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

Establish regular evaluation processes to assess the collection’s effectiveness and

relevance.Utilize user feedback and collection usage statistics to inform future development.

9. Future Directions

Identify emerging trends in academia and library services that could impact future collection
development.Develop a strategic plan that outlines the vision for the library's collection over the
next few years.By focusing on these areas, you can create a comprehensive analysis that
highlights the strengths, challenges, and opportunities for the library's collection development at
Wallaga University.

PART 4.Conclusion and Recommendation

4.1 Conclusions

21
No library exists without collection. Users of the library come to the library to satisfy their various
information needs.This can only be achieved with collections that are adequate,current and relevant.
Libraries endeavour to acquire information resources in various formats – prints, non prints and
electronic-in order to remain relevant in the society. However, the acquisition of these
collections is done through various methods after a careful selection by subject specialists using
the necessary tools. The development of the library collection paramoecium to the growth
of the library hence, the need to constantly evaluate them to assess their strengths and
weaknesses. The process will lead to the removal of those materials that are no longer
relevant. Given the dwindling book vote in libraries and based on the premise that no library is self-
sufficient, libraries engage in inter library loan/resource sharing.

22
4.2 Recommendations

The collection development practices were within the standards of observable good practices in
collection development shall be maintained. However, there were practices that need to be carried out
and standardized must be incorporated in the “Proposed Collection Development Policy.” This paper
should be presented to the administrators for approval and full implementation in the WU library and to
ensure quality, relevant and up-to-date materials for the students and faculty as well to meet their
changing needs and demands. Moreover, an annual revision of the policy is recommended to
incorporate new policies

23