Collection Development in the Central University Libraries in India in the Information Era: Survey Analysis and Policy Perspectives

Abstract

The main purpose of the study is to identify the current status of collection development and to make a comparative analysis of collection development organization patterns in the four central university libraries of Uttar Pradesh (UP) i.e. Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Allahabad University (ALU) and Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar University (BBRAU), Lucknow. A well structured questionnaire was administered to the librarians and Acquisition librarians of the four central university libraries under study. The findings of study reveal to support the systematic improvement in collection development in the newly established central universities. However, the fact has been proved by the hypothesis testing that old centralized universities are better placed in terms of all the parameters of collection development. Furthermore, there exists a positive relationship between the old and new central university libraries. Among the new central universities, the Allahabad University (ALU) was established and structured in pre-independence period and availed maximum benefits within its state legislature. It is also recognized that both the new central institutions such as ALU and BBRAU should have the financial and infrastructural support from the government on priority basis.