Assessing Post Covid-19 Collection Development Practices at Bunda College Library, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi

The COVID-19 prevention measures in Malawi disrupted library services, forcing adjustments to continue operations. As the pandemic improves, this study examines how libraries should restructure and innovate, focusing on concerns, expectations, and strategies for post-pandemic collection development. The primary objective of this study was to assess collection development practices in the post-COVID-19 era at Bunda College Library in Malawi. The research paradigm adopted was a pragmatic approach, utilizing mixed methods to address the research questions. The total study population was 5,658 comprising 5,500 students, 148 lecturers, 2 senior administrators, 5 members of the library committee, and 3 librarians. From the population, a sample of 199 participants was selected. First and second-year students were excluded from the study, as they had not experienced the COVID-19 pandemic during their time at the College. The study adopted pragmatist research paradigm using mixed method approach. Qualitative data was collected through purposive sampling, involving interviews with 10 respondents drawn from librarians and library committee members and senior administrators. Quantitative data was collected using online questionnaires administered to 159 students and 30 lecturers, utilizing stratified sampling with a 10% sample size to ensure representativeness. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic (deductive) analysis, while quantitative data was analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics with IBM SPSS (v 27). Findings from the study indicate that COVID-19 catalyzed a few changes in Collection Development practices at Bunda Library, driving increased acceleration and reliance on digital resources, and compelling the library to adopt agile approaches to respond quickly to the changing needs and preferences of the users. The study recommends that Bunda Library proactively foster collaboration with its stakeholders, provide adequate funds for collection development, put a disaster preparedness plan in place, and rebuild its information technology network infrastructure.