ABSTRACTThis study was on Methods to Preservation and Security of Information Resources in Academic Libraries in Niger State, Nigeria. Five research questions and five corresponding objectives were framed for the study. A case study design was adopted for the research. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 35 respondents from a population of 297 staff in all the twelve academic libraries in Niger State. Semi structured interview guides were used to collect data from respondents, while field notes guide were used to record data in respect of participants? observation. The data collected using individual interview guides and the field notes guides, which were properly completed, were presented and subjected to qualitative analysis. The steps followed in doing the analysis were documentation, conceptualization, coding and categorization, examining relationships and displaying data; and authenticating conclusions. The findings revealed that the common methods of preservation of information resources in academic libraries in Niger State included repairs, binding and environmental control, whereas digitization and migration were not adopted. It also showed that periodic random checks on users and staff, scheduled patrols, and checking of users IDs, were all in use. Further, antivirus software and passwords were installed on computers of five libraries, while surveillance cameras were functional in only Federal University of Technology Minna Library. Book theft, mutilation of information resources, non return of borrowed library materials, impersonation, and computer virus attacks were the prevalent threats in all the academic libraries in Niger State. The findings also showed that there were policies guiding the operations of the academic libraries in Niger State, but they do not have insurance covers. In respect of effectiveness of the methods in use, the findings showed that repairs, binding, environmental control, regular patrols, and identity cards verifications were effective in all the academic libraries, while computer virus protection / internet security xiii was effective in four libraries and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in only Federal University of Technology Minna Library. It was concluded that although academic libraries in Niger State have adopted good methods for preserving and securing their information resources, and the fact that they paid more emphasis on printed materials, with less use of digital preservation methods and electronic security systems, it is obvious that the libraries are yet to embrace the opportunities offered by technological advancement for such activities. In view of the findings, the research recommended that libraries should endeavour to have written policies on all aspects of preservation and security of information resources, upgrade and maintain facilities such as binderies, air conditioning systems, fire prevention equipment etc including the adoption of digital preservation methods, while efforts should be made to reduce the incidence and effects of mutilation, book theft and non-return of borrowed materials through periodic repairs, enhanced security and adequate punishment for erring users, respectively. This research also recommended improvement of the manual methods of safeguarding library materials and adoption of electronic security system, while the antivirus software and CCTV cameras should be regularly updated and upgraded respectively, in order for them to be effective.
