AN ASSESSMENT ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LIBRARY COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT IN SUPPORTING CURRICULUM NEEDS: A CASE STUDY OF THE AGENCY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT (ADEM) — BAGAMOYO

ABSTRACT This study assessed the effectiveness of library collection development in supporting curriculum needs at the Agency for the Development of Educational Management (ADEM), Bagamoyo. It was guided by four specific objectives: to examine existing collection development policies, to evaluate the relevance of library materials to the curriculum, to propose strategies for improving collection development, and to identify challenges affecting effective collection development. A descriptive case study design was adopted, employing a triangulation approach that combined questionnaires, interviews, and document review. Data were collected from a sample of 80 respondents comprising students, lecturers, and librarians, of whom 73 responded, giving a response rate of 91.3%. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables and charts, while qualitative data from interviews and document review were analysed thematically. Findings revealed that ADEM library has a written collection development policy, but it is outdated, rarely reviewed, and inconsistently applied, with acquisitions largely influenced by budget availability and faculty or donor requests rather than a documented needs-assessment process. Perceived relevance of library materials to the curriculum was moderate: while a majority of students and lecturers considered the collection at least somewhat relevant, a notable proportion, particularly in Science and Technology disciplines, reported outdated or insufficient materials. Key strategies proposed for improvement included stronger faculty–library collaboration and curriculum mapping, increased budget allocation, expansion of e-resources, periodic policy review, and strengthened resource-sharing partnerships such as COTUL. Major challenges identified included limited budget allocation, unreliable internet connectivity, dependency on donor-funded materials, and inadequate staffing. The study concludes that library collection development at ADEM is only moderately effective in supporting curriculum needs and recommends deliberate policy review, closer faculty engagement, and sustained investment in the library to strengthen its contribution to ADEM's educational mandate.

Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Peer review

Not peer-reviewed

Licence

All rights reserved