Book selection strategies in university libraries of Pakistan: An analysis

University libraries in Pakistan spend a large portion of their funds on buying books and these are still the most important part of libraries' collections. Selection policies and practices play fundamental role in developing a strong book collection. This study aims to explore the policies, methods and procedures of selecting books in the university libraries of Pakistan. Data for the study were collected following multi-method approach, through questionnaires and unstructured interviews with the university librarians and faculty members for the doctoral research by the present author during 2003 to 2004. The analysis of data shows that the factors affecting successful execution of the practice of effective selection include: overly dependence on the faculty for selection, constraints of faculty members as selectors, non-availability of selection aids, lack of awareness regarding online resources available for selection, etc. The study suggests some feasible ways to improve the situation. The findings and suggestions may be of value to the countries with similar situations in the developing world.