Challenges in Sustainable Funding for Academic Libraries: Perspectives from University Libraries in the Volta Region, Ghana

Abstract

Aims: This study examines the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable funding for academic libraries in selected universities in the Volta Region of Ghana. Methodology: A qualitative research approach was adopted to explore sustainable funding for academic libraries in the Volta Region. The study involved three universities: University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ho Technical University (HTU), and Evangelical Presbyterian University (EPU), selected purposively to reflect public and private institutional perspectives. Twelve librarians directly involved in budgeting, acquisition, and management were interviewed using semi-structured interview guides. Interviews were recorded with consent, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically to identify patterns in funding structures, governance influences, and sustainability strategies. Ethical standards were maintained through informed consent, confidentiality protection, and voluntary participation. Results: The study found that academic library funding across the institutions is characterised by multiple but unstable revenue streams, including institutional allocations, internally generated funds, tuition-linked income, and irregular donations. Public universities relied more on university budgets and IGF, while the private university depended largely on tuition and board contributions. Funding delays, high subscription costs for digital databases, donor-driven collection priorities, and managerial control over budget decisions were identified as major challenges. These constraints affected journal access, training programmes, and infrastructure development, resulting in service disruptions and reduced operational efficiency. Conclusion: Sustainable academic library funding requires diversified, predictable, and governance-sensitive financing models. The study contributes to library funding policy discourse by highlighting how institutional governance, allocation timing, and revenue dependence shape sustainability outcomes. Future research should further examine theoretical and policy frameworks on governance power structures in library financing and expand empirical analysis across more regions.