Theft and Mutilation of Library Materials in Nigerian Academic Libraries

Abstract

ABSTRACT The survey discussed in this article investigated the prevalent rate at which book theft occurs, especially in academic society and with special interest in Nigerian academic institutions. The main objective was to evaluate the level at which book theft and mutilation are plaguing academic libraries in Nigeria and to proffer some measures for curbing the menace. A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed to professional librarians, library officers and library porters (security staff) in four academic institutions in Ibadan, Ogbomoso and Oyo, Oyo state, Nigeria. Seventy-eight copies were returned and found useful (a response rate of 65 percent). Reference materials and periodicals such as journals, newspapers, and magazines are mostly affected. The results from the analysis of responses showed that most of the academic libraries investigated agreed that book theft and mutilation are serious problems facing their collections. The study, however, concludes with suggestions on the use of some co...