Overview of Security Measures in Nigerian University Libraries

Abstract

The paper takes a look at the incidence of mutilation and theft and of library materials, and gives users’ assessment of library security and factors that influence mutilation and theft among library users in Nigerian university libraries. Librarians all over the world are increasingly disturbed with the safety and physical integrity of important intellectual properties. Periodical and reference materials are the most likely materials that will be mutilated. All of the libraries still rely exclusively on manual checks carried out by unskilled personnel at the library exit and entrance. The high cost of photocopying and frequent breakdown of copiers was the causes of library material theft and mutilation. The results show that all the university libraries stamps specific pages, with security personnel and porters are at the entrance door of the libraries checking in and checking out users of the library. Findings from the study revealed that university libraries in Nigeria must adopt security measures to prevent theft of library materials. Therefore, media centers and libraries must adopt security measures to protect the software and hardware from serious harm. The paper wrap up by offering some constructive suggestions on the way out of these problems.