reservation and conservation of library materials in the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) library:- Evoh Nkiru M

Abstract

The aim ofthis study was to assess the Preservation and conservation oflibrary materials in the (MOUAU) library. The research design used was a descriptive survey. The study population consisted of41 library staffdrawn from the university library under study. A sample size of41 library staffwas drawn for the study which is 10% ofthe entire population. A likert-four point rating scale was used as data collection instruments. The rating scale was distributed using a census technique to 41 library staffs, out ofwhich a total of 41 copies ofthe rating scale were returned and usedfor analysis. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics ofmean scores and standard deviation with the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. The study found that textbooks, journals, encyclopedia, dictionaries, pamphlets, library guides, CD-ROMs, indexes, abstracts, e-journals, e- books, monographs, magazines, newspapers, maps, gazetteers library catalogue, bulletins, reading lists and periodicals are all available in MOUAU Library. Consequently, the study also found out that poor ventilation, inadequate shelve, theft of library materials, activities of rodents, inadequate power supply, inadequate funding and poor attitude of library staff and that of users were the problems associated with preservation and conservation oflibrary materials. The recommendations made to improve the Preservation and conservation of library resources in the (MOUAU) library include There should be periodic training and retraining of library staff in order to ensure professionalism and competence in service provision, there should be proper orientation of library staff on preservation and conservation of information materials and there should be properfunding to enable the library acquire the needed equipment like fumigation materials and ventilation equipmentsforpreserving and conservation oflibrary materials