appropriate informed decision at the right time with the limited resources available. Hence, the government publications unit should he managed by a skilled librarian of high repute who will be able to determine the right balance between print and electronic materials, between book and non-book materials, between monographs and periodicals, between the selection of materials and needs of users, between acquisition and use of materials, and between available funds and desired resources. In essence, the librarian should be able to determine the right balance between acquisition and user information needs in order to achieve the vision, objectives and mandate of the library.
4.0 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this unit discussed the various contemporary issues and challenges in the acquisition, organisation, dissemination and use of government publications. Suggestions were made on how the challenges discussed could be mitigated. Government documents are key information resources of any information system; hence everything must be done to ensure that the challenges faced by the unit are alleviated if the library is concerned about meeting its objectives and mandate. Government documents provide a mine of information that is useful for researchers and for the preservation of the indigenous culture of a society. Care must therefore be taken to harness the advantages of information and communication technologies to acquire and disseminate the government publications.
5.0 SUMMARY
This unit discussed some contemporary issues and challenges in acquiring, organising, disseminating and using government publications with a view to suggesting solutions to these challenges. The main challenges examined included acquisition processes of government publications; inadequate bibliographic control tools; inadequate materials, facilities and equipment;
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inadequate space; shelving issues; several classification schemes; frequent policy changes; inadequate human resources and staff skills; inadequate funding; low level of media and information literacy skills; preservation and conservation issues; lack of political will; inadequate curriculum; and striking a balance between various contending issues in library operations, management and use. Suggestions were made as to how these challenges could be alleviated so that government publications will take their rightful place of importance in quality service delivery in library operations.
Self - Assignment Exercise
Discuss five challenges faced in the acquisition, organisation, dissemination and use of government publications and suggest ways in which these challenges may be mitigated.
6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENTS (TMA)
1. Discuss the challenges faced in the acquisition, organisation, dissemination and use of government publications.
2. Describe the ten main challenges that a library in Nigeria may face in the acquisition and organisation of government publications.
7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING
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Akintunde, S. A. (1991). Towards Better Organisation and Management of Government Publications. Paper presented at the 1991 Annual Seminar of the Cataloguing and Classification Section of the Nigerian Library Association held at Benin City, 1-5 December.
Ani, T. C. E. (2017). Challenges and Prospects to Acquisition of Government Publications in Academic Libraries in Nigeria.Journal of Resourcefulness and Distinction, 14 (1).
Asamoah-Hassan, H. R. (2000). The Problem and Prospects of Acquisition of Government Publications in Ghanaian Libraries. African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science 1(10), 40-45.Retrieved fromhttp://hdl.handle.net/12345678913691.
Asogwa, B. E., & Asiegbu F. N. (2009). Challenges and Opportunities for Acquisition and Management of Government Publications/Documents in
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the Electronic Age. NigerianLibrary Link – a Journal of Library and Information Science. 7 (1&2), 50 – 66.
August, D. (2006). Developing Literacy in Second Language Learners: Report of the National Literacy Panel on Language-Minority Children and Youth. Retrieved fromhttp://www.cal.org/natl-lit-panel/reports/Executive_Summary.pdf.
Ezema, I. F., & Okafor, V. N. (2009). Acquisition and Use of Government Publicatons in Nigerian Academic Library, University of Nigeria Nsukka.
International Journal ofInformation and Communication Technology (ICT), 6(2), 30-45.
Kargbo, J. A. (2008). Problems in Managing Government Publications in Academic Libraries in Sierra Leone. Retrieved from
https://EzineArticles.com/expert/John_Abdul_Kargbo/210460
Okojie, V. O. (2012). Information Literacy Skills and Use of Information and Communication Technologies by Librarians in Nigerian University Libraries. PhD Thesis, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. xx, 238p.
Okwor, R. N., Ihekwoaba, E. C. & Agunwamba, C. (2019). Acquisition and Provision of Government Publications for Satisfaction of Users’
InformationNeeds in Nigerian University Libraries. Library Philosophyand Practice (e-journal). 2873.Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/2873
Ries, M. (2021).Research Guides. Ohio: Ohio State University.
www.guides.osu.edu
Rodger, E. J. (2002). Value and Vision: Public Libraries Must Create Public Value Through Renewal and Reinvention.American Libraries 45(2), 50-54.
Salisu, T. M. (1984). The Library and the Open University System.
International Library Review, 16(1), 35-43.
Savenije, B. (2010). Open Access: Challenges for National Libraries. Paper presented at the 76th IFLA General Conference, Gothenburg, 14th August.
Retrieved from www.kb.nl/sites/default/files/staff/savanije/2010-ifla.pdf Shuler, J. (2002). Partnerships and Promises: The History and Future of Library
and USGovernment Information.The Bottom Line: Managing Library Finances. 15 (2), 60-63. Retrieved from http://www.emeraldinsight.com
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Singh, R. (2003). Developing Relationship Marketing with Customers: A Scandinavian Perspective.Library Management, 24(1), 34-43. Retrieved from http://www.emeraldinsight.com
United Nations (2005). United Nations Global E-government Readiness Report:
from e-government to e-inclusion. New York: United Nations
Weech, T.L. (1981). Collection Development and State Publications.Government Publications Review, 8A (1981), 47–58.