Somali National Library

Acquisitions & Collection Development

The Acquisitions and Collection Development Department is responsible for building and maintaining the library's comprehensive collections through strategic purchase, donation, and exchange programs.

About the Department

The Acquisitions and Collection Development Department serves as the foundation of the Somali National Library's collection growth and diversity. Our team of expert librarians and subject specialists work tirelessly to identify, evaluate, and acquire materials that support the library's mission of preserving Somalia's documentary heritage while meeting the diverse information needs of our community.

Collection Policy

Our collection development policy emphasizes:

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Building collections that represent all aspects of Somali history, culture, and knowledge
  • Academic Excellence: Supporting research and education at all levels
  • Accessibility: Ensuring materials are available in multiple languages and formats
  • Digital Integration: Balancing physical and electronic resources
  • Preservation: Prioritizing rare and endangered materials

Donation Program

We actively seek donations of books, manuscripts, photographs, and other cultural materials. Our donation program has successfully acquired over 5,000 items from individuals, families, and institutions both within Somalia and from the diaspora community.

Recent Acquisitions

Recent major acquisitions include the Sheikh Ahmed Ali manuscript collection, historical newspapers from the 1950s-1980s, and contemporary academic publications from Somali authors worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

Selecting and acquiring new materials through purchase, gift, and exchange
Managing donation programs and donor relations
Evaluating collection gaps and development needs
Coordinating with publishers, vendors, and institutions
Developing and managing acquisition budgets
Processing donated materials and acknowledgments
Maintaining collection development policies
Collaborating with subject specialists

Services We Offer

Collection suggestions from patrons
Donation assessment and acceptance
Exchange programs with other libraries
Out-of-print book searching
Rush order processing for urgent needs

Our Team

MFH

Ms. Fadumo Hassan

Head of Acquisitions

15 years experience in library collection development

MAM

Mr. Abdirizak Mohamed

Senior Acquisitions Librarian

Specialist in rare book procurement

MAA

Ms. Amina Ali

Donations Coordinator

Manages donor relations and community outreach

Contact Information

Phone

+252 61 234 5680

Location

Main Building, 2nd Floor, Room 205

Hours

Sun-Thu: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Department Stats

Annual Acquisitions2,500+ items
Active Donors150+
Budget$150,000 annually

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