Effects of pest on library collections: a study of Kenneth Dike Library pest and its control mechanism

Abstract

This survey examines the incidents of pests in academic libraries with particular reference to Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The study sets out to investigate the effects of pests on library materials and examine its control mechanisms. The study employed a descriptive survey method using the expost-facto design with a population sample of 70 respondents whose information was obtained through the use of a structured questionnaire. The data obtained was analysed using descriptive statistics of means and standard deviation. The results showed that pests; most especially rodents have constituted major deteriorating threats to print materials as well as constituting nuisance to both staff and patrons. The study further revealed that preventive mechanism was not adequate. Recommendations were made based on these findings that regular and periodic fumigation be adopted and that edible materials should be prevented from entering the library.

Keywords: Pest, Academic Library, Preventive Mechanism, Pest Control, Kenneth Dike Library