PERCEPTIONS OF LIBRARIANS IN DEMAND-DRIVEN ACQUISITION FOR INFORMATION RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT BY ACADEMIC LIBRARIES OF SELECTED PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the Adoption of Demand-Driven Acquisition (DDA) for Information Resources Development by Academic libraries of Private Universities in Northern Nigeria. The study adopted qualitative methodology using narrative based research design to collect data from the respondents. The population of the study comprised of 6 (six) librarians drawn from the 3 (three) Private Universities in Northern Nigeria. No sampling procedure was used because the population was not much and was conveniently managed by the researcher. An interview guide was the only instrument used to collect the data. A total of 6 (six) copies of interview guide were used. Findings from the study showed that the librarians in private universities in Northern Nigeria have positive perception towards the adoption of DDA for information resources development. The study also identified challenges associated with the adoption of DDA such as; complicated licensing of e-resources, inadequate network and networking facilities, inadequate power supply, inadequate ICT facilities, high cost of planning, implementation and maintenance cost and inadequate ICT skill by librarians among others. The study recommends increased awareness about the potentials and benefits of adopting DDA for information resource development. The library management is also encouraged to be more proactive and support the use of DDA in their libraries for better and improved information resource development and service delivery.