Impacts of environmental pollutants on school library resources in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the impacts of environmental pollutants on school library resources in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. Four research questions and two hypotheses were posed to guide the study. Survey research design method was used to conduct the study. Data were obtained through the administration of the questionnaire.. The population of the study was 3,476 with a sample size of 359. Data collected, were organized on the tables using descriptive statistics while hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Z test. The result of the findings showed that environmental pollutants produced by gas flare fire were responsible in damaging school library resources. Gums and glues used in binding books dry up and pages disengaged. High temperature is responsible in discoloration of books, and cracking plastic materials. Acid rain damage metals and corrode iron materials such as building corrugated iron. Palliative measures were proffered as remedies that school libraries should be built far away from crude oil operational areas among others. Air conditioners should be installed in all the school libraries to avert high temperature from defacing library printed information resources.