Security and crime challenges in academic libraries in Nigeria

Abstract

Security and prevention of crimes in academic libraries is essential library duties for librarians to achieve. Due to security breaches in academic libraries, users sometimes are not able to get information materials needed and this makes the library ineffective in satisfying users’ information needs. The paper, therefore, investigated the security breaches in academic libraries in Nigeria using Federal University of Technology, Minna and College of Education, Minna libraries. The survey research method was used for the study and the population was130 undergraduate students and the staff working in the libraries of the two institutions selected for the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage tabulation were used in analyzing the data. Results revealed that book theft, noise- making and mis-shelving in the library and book mutilation are the major security breaches in the libraries. It also revealed among other findings that print materials, serial/periodical collections, reference collections and reserve collections are vulnerable to security breaches. To eradicate crime and improve security measures in the libraries some prevention measures such as written security policy to be placed on the notice boards, manual security approach such as monitoring users in the library premises, introduction of electronic security system to mention but a few were recommended.

Keywords: academic libraries, crime, library security, book theft, book mutilation