Project Abstract

Abstract
The aim of this research project is to investigate the stock acquisition process in the Alex Ekwueme Library at Federal Polytechnic. The library plays a crucial role in supporting the academic and research activities of the institution, and the availability of relevant and up-to-date resources is essential for its effectiveness. Stock acquisition is a fundamental aspect of library management, as it involves the selection, procurement, and processing of new materials to enhance the library's collections. The research methodology involved a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected through interviews with library staff responsible for stock acquisition, as well as through a survey of library users to gather their opinions on the adequacy of the current collection. Additionally, a review of existing literature on stock acquisition practices in academic libraries provided insights into best practices and challenges faced by similar institutions. The findings of the study highlighted several key issues related to stock acquisition in the library. These included challenges in budget allocation for acquisitions, the need for improved selection criteria to ensure the relevance of materials to users, and the importance of timely processing and cataloging of acquired items. The study also revealed that user feedback and suggestions are valuable in guiding acquisition decisions and improving the overall quality of the collection. Based on the research findings, recommendations were made to enhance the stock acquisition process in the Alex Ekwueme Library. These included the establishment of a formalized selection policy based on the curriculum and research needs of the institution, regular assessment of the collection to identify gaps and areas for improvement, and the allocation of adequate resources to support acquisitions. Additionally, the study suggested the implementation of user surveys and feedback mechanisms to gather input on collection development priorities and preferences. Overall, this research project provides valuable insights into the stock acquisition process in the Alex Ekwueme Library at Federal Polytechnic. By addressing the challenges and opportunities identified in the study, the library can improve its collection development strategies and better meet the information needs of its users. The recommendations put forth in this research aim to contribute to the enhancement of library services and the overall academic experience at the institution.

Project Overview

This research work deals with stock acquisition with a reference to Alex Ekwueme Library, Federal polytechnic, Oko.

Acquisition is a means by which books and non book materials are collected in a library. The librarian glossary (2001) defined acquisition as a process of acquiring or the department concerned with acquiring for the library. In chapter one of this research study, there are problems militating against stock acquisition in Alex Ekwueme library such as lack of fund to build up the library stock, there is a problem of staffing and inadequacy of reading space and furniture.

Chapter two of this research study deals with literature review which discusses the following headings: acquisition, acquisition policy, library materials/stocks, types of library stocks, methods of acquisition, problems of stock acquisition and selection tools. Chapter three of this research study is research methodology which the research adopted survey research/designs because survey deals with interview and questionnaires.

Chapter four of this research study discusses presentation and analysis of data which were drawn and gathered from the research questions as follows:

1. What are various methods of acquiring library materials at Alex Ekwueme library?
2. Are there procedures of book acquisition in the library

• What are the needs for stock acquisition in academic libraries?

1. What types of materials are to be acquired in the library?

Based on the findings, the researcher indicated that the main reason for stock acquisition is for dissemination of information.

Chapter five deals with summary, conclusion, recommendation and suggestion for further study. The researcher recommends that the institution management should not depend on government grant alone but should try to allocate more funds for the acquisition of library stocks/materials.