AVAILABILITY AND PRESERVATION PRACTICES OF INFORMATION RESOURCES IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CROSS RIVER STATE LIBRARY, CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Preservation practices of information resources in university libraries is the process of protecting library materials from damage and decay to ensure their availability for future use. This involves a range of activities, including maintaining a stable environment, using safe handling and storage methods, and creating digital or other reformatted copies of fragile materials. This study aimed to examine the availability and preservation practices of information resources in the University of Cross River State Library Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. An objective of the study was formulated to guide the study. A descriptive survey design was used in the study. The population of the study consisted of eighty (80) librarians and para-professional staff from the University of Cross River State Library, and an enumerative technique was used due to the sample size. The sample size of the study was sixty (60). A structured questionnaire was the instrument used to collect data, and the data collected were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation, and Pearson’s product moment correlation at 0.05 level of significance. Results showed significant relationships between availability and preservation practices of information resources in the University of Cross River State Library Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were proffered: that adequate budgetary allocations/subventions should be provided for services delivery in the University of Cross River State Library Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria to positively enhance the availability and preservation practices of information resources, governments, parent institutions, library management, librarians and other personnel attitudinal change towards the investment in library services in Nigerian universities, and regular training and retraining for Librarians and other staff to acquire and improve their competencies and skills needed for the preservation practices of information resources in 21st century.