Print Book and e-Book Collections in Academic Libraries in Malawi

Abstract

Arrival of e-books on the scene has had a significant effect on the collection development activities of many academic libraries. Whilst some libraries have made the radical decision to ditch print books in favor of e-books, others are cautiously navigating the new terrain by acquiring both. The current study used the survey research design to study the collection development trends of print books and e-books in academic libraries in Malawi. The study found that academic libraries in Malawi are acquiring both print books and e-books. The trend has resulted from collection development decisions, practices, and budgetary constraints.

Keywords:

• Collection development
• e-books
• Malawi
• print books
• university libraries

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).