Challenges in Preservation and Conservation of Information Resources in Imo State University
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study are;
- To determine the preservation and conservation practices existing in Imo state University library.
- To ascertain the extent such practices are applied in the libraries.
- To examine the prevailing factors necessitating in the library in adopting preservation and conservation in Imo state University.
- To examine the library resources where these preservation and conservation practices are applied in Imo state University
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Conceptual Framework
An overview of the concepts of “Preservation and Conservation” have erroneously been used inter changeably in some library literature. However, to preserve and to conserve may literarily be seen as synonymous in meaning. Fadehan (2009) observed that the essence of information is to preserve them for all future generations and also to see that the state of the materials at any period in time is to engender and achieve the later end. He also argued that the problem of deterioration of library materials apply to all categories of materials in the library. The institute of Museum and library services (2009) stresses that preservation has been described as any action that effectively extends the life or useful life of a living or non-livingcollection, the individual items or entities including in a collection or structure, building or site by reducing the likelihood or speed of deterioration. It further explained that preservation actions include: planning, conservation treatment, prevention action to improve environment or otherwise reduce the risk of damage or loss. It also points out that it deals with formatting or re-formatting to provide access without the physical use of original objects. Preservation according to Hornby (1976) implies the state of being or remaining in a stated condition after a long time. However, Noah Webster dictionary defined preservation as the act of preserving or keeping in safety from harm, injury, decay or destruction. Similarly, the National conservation Advisory council in United State (1983) states that preservation is an action taken to retard——- deterioration——by control of their structure. It also explained that currently, preservation is a broader concept covering conservation as well was action relating to protection, maintenance and restoration of library collections. Clarkson (1993) states thatpreservation encompasses every fact of library life. He said that preservation is a preventive medicine,… the concern of every one who walks into or works in a library. In the same view, Grimwood-Jones (1993) points out that preservation apply to various strategies for preservation applies to various strategies for preserving the intellectual content. Moreso, Harvey (1993) also states that preservation includes all the managerial and financial considerations including storage and accommodation provisions, staffing levels, policies, techniques and methods involved in preserving library and archive materials and the information contained in them. From the definitions so far, it has been observed that preservation practices is to library materials as what air is to human being. Without preservation practice in the library, library materials will be useless and waste of information. In the same view, Feather (1993) stressed that for most of us, preservation is about making our libraries useful, preserving materials for as long as they are wanted. He therefore explained that preservation isindeed a central issue in modern librarianship and one which will continue to be of concern to the end of this century and beyond. Alegbeleye (1996) explained that damages attributed to environmental factor include those caused by insects, sunlight, mould and water.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Challenges in preservation and conservation of information resources in Imo state university. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of Challenges in preservation and conservation of information resources
Summary
This study was on Challenges in preservation and conservation of information resources in Imo state university. Three objectives were raised which included; To determine the preservation and conservation practices existing in Imo state University library, to ascertain the extent such practices are applied in the libraries, to examine the prevailing factors necessitating in the library in adopting preservation and conservation in Imo state University and to examine the library resources where these preservation and conservation practices are applied in Imo state University. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Imo state University. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
Preservation and conservation of library resources have become a driving force in new service platform of the libraries. Preservation and conservation have been proved to be an important tool for improving services in university libraries. It is important for teaching, learning, research and development of human beings. From the analysis and discussion of the findings, the researcher discovered that different types of preservation and conservation practices were available, functions, although not well implemented in the library under study especially in Imo state University. The study also identifies that some of the preservation and conservation practices are practiced to a greater extent while some are at very low extent and others are not practiced at all. This study has also been able to identify the problems associated with preservation and conservation of library resources in libraries under study, ranging from: inadequate infrastructure, frequent power failure, inadequate funding of the library, lack of trained personnel, Harsh environmental condition in the tropical zone and little awareness of the importance of preservation and conservation among information professionals. The researcher observed that for the enhancement of preservation and conservation of library resources among libraries under study, there is need for adoption and implementation of strategies which include: Regular power supply, proper clearing and dusting of library materials, proper shelving of books to allow free flow of air, Handling library materials carefully, avoid eating in the library, formulating a library policy, adequate fund of the library, Regular education of library users, adequate infrastructure and Regular fumigation of the library.
Recommendation
Embarking on training and retraining of library security men on the importance of ensuring that tight security is maintained.
Better incentives in terms of remuneration and training of staff to reduce the possibility of being easily seduced by users to evade their responsibility. Users should be educated as to the evils of book theft and mutilation.
Preservation and security policies should be drawn.
Regular cleaning programmes should be designed for libraries, for effective management of library books.
Librarians should patrol the reading rooms to ensure that users do not mutilate or rough handle books.
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