CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The main objective of establishing any library is to satisfy the needs of its clientele by providing the aim of setting up a library in nay institution through its selection and acquisition of materials, adequate collection required by the users should be made available to them atg the right time.
Selection as the process of choosing library materials to satisfy the needs for inclusion in a library with a view to providing a balanced increase to the stock. (Anyanwu, Amadi and Zander, 2006) according to Nwalo, (2003) Book selection is he art of choosing items to be acquired from a list of publication in every library of any university, there should be a specific policy with regard to selection of materials. This policy should specify the type and range of items to be selected and acquired and reflect the objectives of the parents institution.
Acquisition can be define as the process of obtaining library materials to satisfy the needs of users, and its work, it’s a means by which books and non-books materials are added to the library.
Moreover, the essence of selection and acquisition of library materials in academic libraries is to know the materials relevant to them. Selection of library materials is important because of literature explosion, reduction in library budget, reduction in income of library users. Good selectors should aim, at satisfying existing demand, anticipate future needs by users and ensure that good quality materials are provided, avoid bias in selection and ensure that the right kind of materials are provided at the right time.
Eguaron (2002) identified processes involved in books selection by one person, selection meeting/selection committee and specialized group.
In selecting/acquisition of materials for academic libraries you must consider the aims and objectives of the institution, the number of department and subject areas. The number of faculty member’s research and teaching needs and the nature of materials required in terms of books and non-book materials. In academic library, materials selected/acquired are meant to cater the support of the curriculum, which means the impute/attribute of the teaching staff is usually required in selecting appropriate materials for the students in most academic libraries the library committee carries out the selection of library materials.
Furthermore, in acquisition, of times acquisition librarian is included in selection in acquisition, their responsibility is also in selection of library materials.
However, in academic libraries the acquired materials are jointly done by members of faculty and the library in any case any of the users of the library can acquire materials for the consideration of library, perhaps this is the only contact a library users may have with this part of the library. The academic acquired their materials by gift direct purchase, exchange and professional association. This can be of books and other library materials, which include periodicals serials, government publication, pamphlets, technical and research reports, micro-forms and microfilms, audio-visual materials and also academic libraries source their supply of library books through publisher, jobbers/whole seller /exhibition.
Oduagwu (2002) explains selection and acquisition of library materials depends on the kind of library since each library is interested in serving primary its clientele which could be homogenous or heterogonous. The most important function here is the systematic way, techniques in guiding against buying materials which deserve no spare on their shelves.
Emanuel Anyanwu, Enyinnah Zander and Emmanuel Amadi (2006) identified the channels or methods of acquisition of library materials through, purchase, gift and exchange, legal deposit, professional associations.
Finally Isaac , Nnadimele.O (2005) specified some of the problems facing our selected and acquired materials by some of the Nigerian vendors who may not supply libraries when the materials are in great demand. The main problem of acquisition is associated with the fact that vast major materials are produce out side the country. The procurement material is produced outside the country. The procurement of foreign books and other materials continually expose the procuring of library materials to foreign exchange problems in selection/acquisition untrained or in experienced staff can be problematic, which means, it needs one who knows much about the field of study.