University libraries in China have been troubled by acquisitions budgets
shortages in recent years. On the basis of wide-ranging surveys and statistical data,
this paper analyzes the main reasons for the problem, such as rising literature prices,
the unfavorable exchange rate for the yuan, increases in auxiliary expenses, and the
slow increase in budgets. It includes quantitative research on the extent and gravity of
the problem and on factors affecting it. The paper predicts future trends and puts forward
a set of countermeasures to reduce the unfavorable influences to a minimum and
to alleviate or even solve the problem.