Collection Development Models in Academic Libraries in South-South, Nigeria

Rationale of Study – The study investigated collection development models in academic libraries in South-South, Nigeria.Methodology – This study was designed as a descriptive survey. The population consisted of 30 academic collection development librarians purposively sampled from academic libraries in SouthSouth, Nigeria. The instrument for data collection was a 3-point scale (Agreed- 3, Undecided- 2 and Disagree- 1) questionnaire. Out of the 30 questionnaires administered to respondents, 27 were retrieved and used for the study. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Findings – The study revealed that the main method for developing academic library collections was through purchase; respondents have adequate knowledge of “just-in-case” and “just-in-time” models of collection development; and that a majority of the respondents use the “just-in-time” model in building their library collections.Implications – As a result of insufficient funds to address purchase of library resources and embark on just-in-case model, chief librarians must advance and put forward fund raising strategies to circumvent government inability to provide funds adequately.Originality – To best knowledge of the author, this study is the first of its kind in investigating the application of “just-in-case” and “just-in-time” collection development methods in academic libraries in South-South Nigeria