Security Measures as Correlates to Preservation System Adopted in Academic Libraries in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the Security Measures as Correlates to Preservation System Adopted in Academic Libraries in the 21^st century, Nigeria. The study utilized survey correlation research design and the population for the study consisted of all information materials in the academic libraries in the twenty (20) universities (Both Federal and State) in South-South region of Nigeria. The study utilized purposive sampling technique in six (6) universities with at least one from each of the six (6) states in the region. The academic libraries considered in this study were Delta State University, Abraka Delta State, University of Port-Harcourt, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, University of Calabar, Cross Rivers State,   Niger-Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, and University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. A total of three hundred and forty-five (345) respondents from professional and para-professional librarians from the relevant sections of the libraries were chosen for the study. A well-structured questionnaire was developed and utilized for data collections which were administered proportionately across the selected universities. The data collected were vetted which revealed a total of 310 validly filled questionnaire upon which analyses were carried out. The methods of data analysis is inferential statistics (independent sample t-test) to test the hypotheses of the study. The results of the analysis showed that entrance/exit doors measure is the main type of security measure adopted;  major preservation strategy adopted by the universities’ libraries in the South-South region of Nigeria. Furthermore, the study findings revealed that personnel’s security training within and outside the library is the effective measure against theft; alarm systems, closed-circuit cameras and fire/smoke sensors are the most common electronic gadgets used in detecting general crimes in the universities’ libraries and information centres in the South-South region of Nigeria. Recommended among others that academic libraries in the South-South region of Nigeria should employ adequately trained human resource on emotional and security intelligence for effective preservation programmes and activities.  In addition, adequate security strategies such as the utilization of automated crime checker software.