Abstract:
Purpose- The purpose of the study is to explore the income generating
activities performed by a Ghanaian academic library and new ways through
which income can be generated to support the limited budget allocation.
Design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted within a
pragmatism paradigm. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were
used. Purposive sampling was done: thus, the researchers interviewed the
Deputy University Librarian, the heads of department, the accountant
attached to the library, as well as the sectional and unit heads. In addition,
ten senior staff with the rank of Chief and Principal Library Assistant were
also selected purposively to respond to a questionnaire. This was supported
by documentary checks to serve as evidence of obtaining valuable
information from the staff.
Findings: The study revealed that the major source of income of the library
is the Academic Facility Users Fees (AFUF), funds (IGF) are also generated
through technical support services, the University lack policy that will
position the Library as an income generating department, the library also
source for funds through proposal writing and the celebration of Library
Week enabled the library acquire some funds.
Limitations: The study is limited to the internal income generating activities
of the Sam Jonah Library.
Originality/value: The researchers adopted the Resource Based View
(RBV) theory to indicate how the resources of Sam Jonah Library can be
manipulated to create a competitive advantage.
Practical implications. The inadequate funds provided for academic
libraries call for such libraries to be proactive in creating funds internally.
