Theft and Mutilation of Library Materials by Students in a University

Abstract

Abstract This article discusses an investigation into the extent to which students involved in theft and mutilation of library materials at the University of Ilorin in Nigeria. Results indicate that (1) only 416 of the 1,280 respondents admitted to the mal practices. (2) all types of library materials (mostly the reference books) and subject fields (especially pure and applied sciences) were affected, (3) the students attitudes towards theft and mutilation were generally unfavorable. (4) selfishness and exhibition of the abused materials were regarded as the most probable cause and remedy respectively to the mal practices and (5) involvement in mutilation and theft of library materials was significantly related to the students' sex, major course of study and level, possession of library tickets, status of library tickets, frequency of library use and use of most made of the library. It was concluded that there was no serious cause for concern about the incidence of student theft and mutilation in the Univ...