ABSTRACT

The study examined the preservation and conservation of library materials in academic libraries using Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) as a case study. The specific objectives ofthe study include; to identify the preservation and conservation practices oflibrary materials in ABSU, ascertain the major causes ofdeterioration of library materials in ABSU, investigate the hindrances to effective preservation and conservation of library materials in ABSU and determine the strategies to improve effective preservation and conservation of library materials in ABSU. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The population size was 34 staff of ABSU Library and no sample size was drawn since the entire population was small. Data were obtained through the use ofquestionnaire offour point scale. Frequency tables were usedfor datapresentation while mean scores and standard deviation were usedfor data analysis. The findings revealed that the major causes ofdeterioration of library materials in ABSU include: natural aging of paper since the major constituents are of organic nature; fragility oflibrary materials such as computers, CD ROM among others; poor handling oflibrary materials by users; poor storage (bad shelving); theft oflibrary materials by library users and vandalism of library materials by users. The study also revealed that the hindrances to effective preservation and conservation of library materials in ABSU include; inadequate funding of the library, poor maintenance culture by the institution, lack of preservation and conservation equipment and lack ofconstant electricity supply. The study concluded that the preservation and conservation measures adopted in ABSU include: cleaning and dusting oflibrary hall, furniture, shelves among others; proper shelving of information materials; lamination of library books and documents; binding of library books; photocopying/duplication of library materials and fumigation and use ofinsecticide. It is recommended that the government and parent institution (university) shouldprovide adequate fundingfor the academic libraries so as to enhance the provision of adequate standard library facilities and preservation and conservation practices in the academic library. Also, the library should embark on regular training of her staff on modern trends in preservation and conservation practices especially with the use ofICT techniques