Assessment of the current collection development practices of a theological library in Kutkai, Myanmar: A basis for proposed collection management program

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the current collection development practices of the Kachin Theological College, Kutkai Library in Myanmar during the second semester of the Academic Year 2018-2019. Specifically, this study aimed to determine the following: the library collection development practices at a Theological College Library in terms of selection, acquisition, presentation and weeding; the current status of the collection as a Theological College Library with the standard set by ATESEA; the budget administration of the library regarding sources of funds; the ratio of the current collection according to the school course offerings, and to find out the problems and challenges as well as strengths and opportunities available in the development of the library resources. Descriptive method of research was utilized and the 190 respondents were determined by utilizing the systematic random sampling which adopted a skipping pattern in the selection of sample units. Results of the study showed that not all faculty respondents participated in the process of selecting books for the library, and there were few students who were involved in the selection and preservation of books. The selection of books was based upon the author, budget, the contents and relevance of books to the academic community. Acquisition was made through purchase, donations, and gifts from friends and library beneficiaries. To preserve library materials, binding was used, and materials that are irrelevant and have torn of damaged pages were the basis for weeding. The study further revealed that less than half of the faculty and only one librarian were involved in the preparation of the library budget, and the school was not able to meet the requirements of 5 percent library budget for the entire institutional. The library holds a total book collection of 12,272 titles with 15,964 volumes of library materials in different format, and thus, it was able to meet the minimum book requirements for the Bachelor of Theology program. Finally, results revealed that the strengths of the library lie in the printed materials and its reference section. Resource sharing, collaboration, partnership, and library linkages were seen as opportunities for the library.