Collection development process in academic libraries in Tanzania: the case of IRDP library in Dodoma region, Tanzania

This study sought to examine collection development process in academic libraries in Tanzania taking the IRDP in Dodoma Region, Tanzania, as a case study. The study was based on Evans, (2005) collection development process model which illustrates the components of collection development process; the community, the library staff, collection development policy, selection. Acquisition, weeding and evaluation of library collection. The study investigated collection development procedures, the relevance of the library collection to user needs, challenges facing collection development process and sought views and suggestions on how to improve collection development process in academic libraries in Tanzania. The study used survey method as the basic method for primary and secondary data collection, employing questionnaires, interviews and direct observation. The findings revealed that the IRDP library does not follow correct procedures in developing its collection to meet the needs of its users. The library has many challenges including lack of a collection development policy, Inadequate library staff, lack of weeding practices, lack of enough reading materials and financial limitations. Recommendations were made to all stakeholders to ensure that all the above challenges are addressed and the library is improved and enabled to perform the functions for which it was established.