Funding Academic Libraries as a Function of Library Policies and Budgetary Issues: A Survey of Academic Libraries in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The paper examined the role of management variable of policy and budgeting issues in attracting funds to cater for library services in academic libraries in Cross River State, Nigeria. Survey research design was used for the study. Sample sizes of 30 senior management library staff drawn from five tertiary institutions in the state libraries were used for the study. A six-point Likert type questionnaire measuring responses on the impact of policy issues and budgeting in attracting funds to the library was developed, validated and used. The internal consistency of the instrument lied in the range of (729<rxx<.893) with the across the time stability in the range of (.706< rtt.796) measured via Cronbach alpha and test-retest reliability. The study found that both policy matters and budgeting issues were important variables in ensuring and attracting funds to the library from their institutions. It also revealed that despite their relevance, libraries and librarians were not doing enough in formulating and ensuring policies nor were they effectively engaged in preparing and using budgets to justify funds to the library. Recommendations were made urging librarians to be actively involved in preparing policies and budgets for their libraries. Proprietary authorities were equally urged to give priority attention to libraries as vital links to the sustenance of institutional goals and objectives.