Evaluative study of preservation and use of information resources in university libraries in Niger State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study evaluated preservation and use of information resources in two university libraries in Niger State, Nigeria, namely: Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Library in Federal University of Technology, Minna and Abubakar Gimba Library in Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai. Questionnaire was used to collect data from sixty-six (66) professional and para-professional staff from the two university libraries. The data collected were analysed using mean scores and standard deviation. Natural disasters, human, chemical, biological and environmental factors were responsible for deterioration of information resources in the university libraries. Photocopying, re-binding, fumigation, microfilming, lamination, air conditioning and digitization techniques were adopted for preservation of information resources and books were mostly borrowed and consulted in the libraries. Based on the findings, the study recommended that management of the universities should acquire a variety of information resources which should not be limited to books, serials, reference sources but to include e-resources.