SECURITY AND PRESERVATION OF INFORMATION RESOURCES FOR EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined security of information resources in academic libraries for enhancement of service delivery in Katsina State, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions and aimed to: (1) identify the types of security threats in academic libraries in Katsina State, and (2) examine the security measures implemented in these libraries. The study adopted a quantitative research approach using a cross- sectional survey research design. A simple random sampling technique was used to select eight academic libraries in Katsina State. Using stratified proportionate sampling techniques, the total number of security and library personnel sampled as the subject of the study were 211 out of a total population of 939, while structured and closed ended questionnaire was adopted. Two hundred and eleven 211(100%) copies of questionnaire were distributed to sampled respondents, one hundred and sixty-two 162 which approximately represent (77%) were duly filled, returned and found useable for the study with 49(23%) mortality rate. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze and present the data using tables, frequency, percentages and mean. The study discovered that the types of security threats that exist in libraries studied were dust, theft, illegal removal of library items, abuses and harassment, book worm, rat and rodents among others. The findings also revealed that the security measures provided in the respective libraries were majorly done manually and not according to the needs of the library. The study recommended among others that there is need to embrace modern security technological devices like biometric system, security devices that curbs digital crimes and early warning detectors, lightening protectors and seismic surveillances to secure the library resources and environment.