Beyond the shelves: An in-depth exploration into the preservation, conservation, and security of school library information resources in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper investigated the preservation, conservation, and security of school library information resources in FCT, North-Central, Nigeria. The study employed qualitative research design. Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting eight (8) public and private school libraries for the study; and the instruments used to collect data were face-to-face interview and observation. The data collected were analysed using descriptive method. The findings of the study revealed that there is significant variations of information resources among libraries, with common resources available across libraries including; textbooks, novels, and magazines, while electronic books (E-books), journals, and specific multimedia materials are less prevalent in most of the school libraries surveyed. Preservation practices demonstrate discrepancies, with notable efforts in most school libraries while conservation measures lack digitisation efforts across all libraries. Security protocols vary across all the libraries. The study also revealed the predominant challenges such as book mutilation, theft, inadequate funding, lack of equipment/facilities, absence of preservation and conservation policies, lack of security personnel, lack of trained library personnel, lack of awareness and poor maintenance culture. The paper recommended that the school administrators needs to allocate adequate resources or seek external funding, provide staff training, enhance preservation and conservation efforts and reinforce security measures in school libraries. Implementing these recommendations can contribute to more effective information resource management in school libraries. Future research should explore digitization strategies and undertake longitudinal studies to assess the sustained impact of interventions.