Collection Management in Private University Libraries in South West Nigeria: A Comparative Analysis

This study conducted a comparative analysis of collection management practices in selected private university libraries in South West Nigeria, covering institutions in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States. Private universities are required by the National Universities Commission to maintain library collections that meet minimum accreditation standards, but variation in funding and management priorities means collection quality differs considerably across institutions. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were gathered from collection development librarians in eight private university libraries through structured questionnaires and physical collection audits. The study compared holdings adequacy, currency of materials, policy documentation, and user consultation practices across the selected institutions. Findings revealed that larger, better-funded private universities had more comprehensive and current collections, while smaller institutions struggled to meet minimum accreditation thresholds. All eight libraries lacked formal written collection development policies. The study recommended adoption of collection development policies, regular collection audits benchmarked against National Universities Commission standards, and inter-library cooperation between private institutions. Keywords: collection management, private universities, South West Nigeria, National Universities Commission, library accreditation.