Deterioration of non-print materials in university libraries: the case of North Central

Abstract

This study analyzed the deterioration of non-print materials in University libraries in North Central Nigeria. It sought to examine the types of non-print materials available in university libraries, causes of deterioration of non-print materials, extent of deterioration of non-print materials in university libraries and the measures for preventing deterioration 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 found that the type of non print materials available in university libraries in North Central Nigeria were, computers, servers, discs, flash, CD, VCD, DVDs, Digital video camera, CD-ROMs, plasma televisions, tape recorders, cassettes, slides, multi-media projectors. The study equally found that major causes of deterioration of non-print materials in the university libraries under study were poor ventilation, manhandling, exposure to dust, ultraviolet radiation, water, light, lack of proper maintenance, loss of data as a result of system crash and technology obsolescence. Conclusion and recommendations were made based on the research findings.

Keywords: Deterioration, Non-print Materials, University Library