Preservation of Electronic Library Materials in Private University Libraries in Anambra State, Nigeria

Orakpor Adaora Maudline, Ibeh, Oluchi Bridget, Idoko Sochima Albert, Okoye Chidimma Ogechukwu

Abstract


This study investigates the preservation of electronic library materials in private university libraries in Anambra State, Nigeria, against the backdrop of rapid digital transformation and its attendant challenges. The research addresses critical gaps in preservation practices, storage media, techniques, and systemic obstacles faced by these institutions. Drawing on seminal work on digital resource sharing and subsequent studies (the study highlights the urgency of modernizing preservation strategies to combat technological obsolescence, bit rot, and institutional constraints. A descriptive survey design was employed, targeting 30 professional librarians across five private universities in Anambra State. Data collected via structured questionnaires revealed that libraries predominantly use diverse storage media, including e-books (mean = 3.42), dissertations (mean = 3.49), and digital archives (mean = 2.52). Preservation techniques such as format standardization (mean = 3.51) and secure backups (mean = 2.57) were widely adopted, while traditional methods like deacidification (mean = 1.32) were neglected. Key challenges included continuous migration demands (mean = 3.51), technological obsolescence (mean = 3.16), and inadequate policies (mean = 2.81). The findings align with UNESCO’s (2003) preservation frameworks, emphasizing proactive strategies, legislative support, and institutional commitment. However, constraints like funding shortages, untrained personnel, and poor infrastructure hinder effective implementation. Recommendations include prioritizing infrastructure development, adopting hybrid preservation models, and enhancing staff training through workshops and policy reforms. This study contributes to the discourse on digital preservation in Nigerian academic libraries, underscoring the need for urgent, coordinated action to safeguard electronic collections. By addressing these challenges, private universities can serve as models for sustainable preservation practices, ensuring long-term access to digital scholarship in Nigeria’s evolving information landscape.


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References


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