The trend of academic libraries consortia in the north central and south east geo-political zones of Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to examine the present trend of academic libraries consortia and the likely ways to improve on the development of consortia in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted the descriptive survey method. It covers four selected academic libraries in the north and eastern parts of Nigeria. A questionnaire entitled “Library Consortia in Nigerian Universities Questionnaire (LCNUQ)” was designed to collect data for the study. Findings – The study revealed that academic libraries in Nigeria have not fully embraced library consortia, as only two out of the four academic libraries surveyed have functioning library consortia. The paper shows that none of the libraries surveyed have collection development policies on e-resources, as well as union catalogues and interlibrary networking. It also reveals some likely ways of improving library consortia to include: jointly budgeting, increased funding and collective and compulsory development of interlibrary networking and union catalogues among university libraries within the country. Practical implications – The study will encourage librarians and library management in developing countries to embrace and facilitate the development of library consortia. Originality/value – The paper reveals the present trend of library consortia in Nigeria. Therefore, the findings may be of help to librarians, university administrators and government to build and improve on the development of library consortia in Nigeria and other developing countries.