Abstract
This study examined competencies and the effective utilisation of selection tools among acquisition librarians in university libraries in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. The study was guided by three research questions and one hypothesis. The study adopted a correlational research design. The population comprised 212 acquisition librarians in federal, state, and private universities in the Niger Delta region. A total enumeration sampling technique was adopted because the population was manageable. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Findings revealed that acquisition librarians possessed competencies to a very high extent (x̄ = 3.86), while the utilisation of selection tools was high (x̄ = 3.59). The study further established a moderate positive and significant relationship between competencies and the utilisation of selection tools (r = .370, p < .05). The study concluded that acquisition librarians' competencies significantly influence their effective utilisation of selection tools for collection development activities. The study recommends continuous professional development programmes, competency-based training, and increased access to modern selection tools to enhance acquisition practices in university libraries.
Keywords: Competencies, acquisition librarians, selection tools, collection development, university libraries, Niger Delta.
Publication Date: 2026-07-31