Impact of Electronic Publishing on Special Libraries Collection Development

Abstract

The Information and Communication Technology innovation has changed the traditional role of libraries as well as traditional process of  collection development. Libraries are witnessing a shifting of paradigm from print to electronic publications. This paper explores the  impact electronic publishing has on collection development in special libraries. Through critical analysis of literature, the paper gave an  in-depth evaluation of the concepts of electronic publishing and collection development. The paper discusses collection development  policies, taking into consideration of its importance in selection of information materials for acquisition. Challenges to the use of  electronic publishing were discussed, among which are, erratic power supply, technological obsolescence, financial constraints, poor  maintenance culture, nonavailability of the facility to download open access publications and absence of a national repository of electronic publications and legislative provisions. The benefits of electronic publishing were also highlighted. The paper concludes that  the process of the conventional collection development is not very much different from that of the electronic publications, that the  normal process of collection development policy, recommendation of information resources, selection, acquisition, conservation and  preservation is followed and that to ensure longer life of electronic publication, a continuous expansion and upgrading of information  storage and access techniques and technology is important.