Acquisition and use of government publications in Nnamdi Azikiwe library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Abstract

This paper examined the acquisition and use of government publications in University of Nigeria Library between 2003 and 2007. Record inspection and observations were used to find out the methods and extents of acquisition of government publications in the university library. The use of government publications faculty by faculty was also studied. Findings reveal that the acquisition of government publications in the university library were mainly through gifts, donations and deposits and publications from Federal government ministries, parastatals and government agencies constitute more than eighty percent of the acquisition within the period. Similarly, more than half of the users of government publications are from faculties of Social Sciences and Education. The most frequently used government publications are from Federal government ministries, parastatals and agencies. The paper recommended the implementation of legal deposits, embarking on regular acquisition tour, legislation on freedom of information, publication of government documents electronically and the use of subject specialists in making government publications accessible as ways of addressing the problems.

Key words: Government documents, User studies, Library acquisition, Academic libraries