ABSTRACT

 The study investigated the Crimes and security problems in public library. The study was guided by five research questions. The population of the study was made up of 8 staff and 10 users of Imo state public library. Percentages and mean scores were used to analyse the data generated. The results for the analysis showed that respondents agreed to the types of crime in Imo state public library. The study also revealed that shortage of library materials, users needs not met, low library service provision and unwarranted expenses for replacement of mutilated materials are the effects of library crime. Furthermore, it was revealed by the study that mounting of closed circuit television, mounting of bulglary, installation of security alarm and provision of reprographic services will help protect library resources. In adequate funding, high cost of security devices, inadequacy of security skilled personnel and inadequacy of library security policy are the major problems militating against the provision of security services. Finally, adequate allocation of funds for the provision of security services, training and retraining of security personnel and provision of functional library security policy will help checkmate problems militating against the provision of security services. Based on the findings it was recommended that a trained and efficient security staff should be mounted at the entrance and exit of the library, reprographic facilities should be made available in the library, electronic devices should be introduced in the library finally rules and regulation should be established which will guide the users and staff.