Structural adjustment policies, currency devaluation and liberalised exchange rate on library acquisitions in the University of Malawi Libraries

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of the structural adjustment policies on library and information services in the University of Malawi Libraries. Design/methodology/approach – A case study methodology was adopted, and data – budget documents and various reports and technical papers – were collected. Findings – Findings show that libraries in this study were affected by the structural adjustment reforms. Budgets of the libraries increased but were affected by currency devaluations, unavailability of foreign exchange to pay for subscriptions and purchase books and this had negatively impacted on the provision of library and information services. Research limitations/implications – The study looks at implications of the structural adjustment policies in the five libraries in the University of Malawi, namely the Bunda College, Chancellor College, College of Medicine, Kamuzu College of Nursing and the Polytechnic only. However the results give a general picture of both academic and public libraries in Malawi. Practical implications – Libraries are encouraged to consider adopting UNESCO coupons to solve foreign exchange shortages for software and journal subscriptions as well as engage international publishers with local shops to circumvent paying for library purchases in foreign currency. Libraries are also encouraged to use the Malawi Library and Information Consortium (MALICO) for bargaining prices against ever escalating journal and book prices. Originality/value – The paper explores the impact of the structural adjustment polices in Malawi.