Challenges Of Preservation And Conservation Of Information Materials In Federal University Of Technology Owerri Library Imo State :- Chima Faith I

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges faced in Preservation and conservation of information materials in Federal University of Technology Owerri Library Imo State. The research design used was a descriptive survey design. The study population consisted of 146 library staff of Federal University of Technology, Owerri Library Imo State. The sample size for the study is 146, census sampling technique was employed.A Likert-four point rating scale were used as data collection instruments. The rating scale was distributed to 146 staff, all was returned and used for analysis. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean scores, frequency and percentage with the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The findings revealed that Lamination, Microfilming. Deacidification, Binding, Cleaning and dusting, Photocopying. Shelving. Scanning and Retrospective conversion are the techniques used in preservation and conservation in Federal University of Technology Owerri Library Imo State. It also revealed that the major Possible challenges for effective preservation and conservation includes: Inadequate funding, lack of competent Personnel. Retrospective Conservation, Lack of infrastructure, harsh environmental conditions, and obsolete hardware and software. The recommendations are: The library should list down the preservation and conservation techniques for print and digital material, the library should find out the reasons for proper conservation or preservation policy and find out its solution, in case of any natural calamities like fire, flood, etc. there should be written plan.