Preservation Parameters And Longevity Of Information Resources In Academic Libraries

Abstract

The study investigated the preservation parameters and longevity of information resources in Rivers state academic libraries. Four  objectives were formulated for the study alongside with four research questions and four null hypotheses respectively. The study  adopted correlational research design. The population consist of all the staff (professional, para-professional and non-professional) working in the four academic libraries under study. The total number of the entire staff is 133 but 102(77%) responded to the  questionnaire which was used to analyse the data. Questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. Cronbach Alpha statistical  tool was used to determine the reliability co-efficient which yielded the result of Preservation Parameters 0.84 and Longevity of Information Resources 0.71 indicating a high reliability of the instrument. Pearson's Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to  answer the research questions and test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significant. Results revealed that there is positive and weak  relationship between the preservation parameters such as digitization, biological agent control, security measures, maintenance culture  and longevity of information resources in the academic libraries under study. The researcher therefore recommends among others  thatthere should be awareness and application of digitization of information resources in libraries due to its relationship with longevity.  Also, there should be recruitment of competent security personnel to man the entrance/exit of the library, the use of digital CCTV for  monitoring and staff surveillance in the reading/shelf areas of the library.