Measures For Effective Preservation And Conservation Of Non-Print Materials In North Central University Libraries In Nigeria

This study investigated the measures for effective preservation and conservation of nonprint materials in university libraries in North Central Nigeria. It intends to ascertain the extent of deterioration of non-print materials, find out the preservation and conservation skills possessed by librarians, identify the challenges associated with preservation and conservation of non-print materials and determine measures for effective preservation and conservation of non-print materials in the university libraries. Descriptive survey design was used for the study with a population of 467 library staff. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire, interview and observation checklist. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Percentages, weighted mean scores and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. The study revealed that, computers, over head projectors, film strips, severs, CD-ROM, diskettes, DVD, Slides, flash, films, VCD, CD, transparencies, Multi-media projectors, Televisions and Microfiche reader are non-print materials that deteriorate to a great extent. The study equally found out that the respondents possess to a great extent, skills in being conversant with the degree of temperature and relative humidity required for library materials, they are aware of different types of disaster that can happen in the library and how to prevent them, possess the necessary conservation and preservation skills in selecting vendors for the supply of preservation equipments among others. It was equally revealed that major challenges facing preservation and conservation of nonprint materials are; outdated non-existent software, lack of well articulated programme, inadequate manpower, and lack of trained personnel, lack of preservation policy and lack of funds. It was also revealed that the measures for effective preservation and conservation of non-print library resources include but not limited to the following; care and handling of non-print materials by staff of the libraries, possession of conservation laboratories by university libraries, provision of preservation and conservation in library budgets, provision of incentives to support preservation activities, provision of security by libraries to avoid theft, and mutilation and provision of adequate funds for effective preservation and conservation of non-print materials. Conclusion and recommendations were made based on the research findings.