CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

In order to provide efficient library service delivery, the security of library materials is critical. When library collections are insecure, they are vulnerable to threats such as theft, mutilation, and vandalism, among others. These can have a negative impact on the delivery of library services. Ani (2010) defines “security” as the state of being protected physically, emotionally, and psychologically, as well as from other potentially harmful events such as attacks and terror. Security, according to Edem (2010), is the confidence of one’s future well-being and escape from danger. As a result, security refers to a procedure for safeguarding anything or someone from harm. It is a crime-prevention act. It protects library resources from unauthorized removal or loss, which usually occurs as a result of intruders or thieves interfering (Ajegbomogun, 2004). In actuality, research, teaching, and learning are impossible to do at a university if library collections and resources are not only insufficient, but also stolen, damaged, or mismanaged by students, staff, and other users. a measure taken to avoid criminal activity. According to research, libraries are vulnerable to environmental disasters, irresponsible treatment of collections, a lack of security programs and policies for library management and administration, and the theft and other illegal behavior of library resources. According to Ajegbomogun (2004) and Akinfolarin (1992), a library collection in Egypt had to be kept under lock and key to prevent theft. Terfarra (1996) mentioned examples of Middle Eastern and European countries chain-locking their collections to prevent theft and destruction. Despite this, most Nigerian school administrators appear to be unaware of the threat that security issues pose to library collections’ survival. Although, in some Nigerian libraries, this is no longer possible due to the implementation of security measures such as detective barcode machines, closed circuit television (CCTV), 3M electronic security systems, and a practical security strategy for university libraries to combat theft and vandalism. This is especially true if the materials are chained or kept under lock and key, as this will likely prohibit users from having easy access to them. In today’s society, security is a significant and complex issue. Not only do individuals require security and safety for their lives and belongings, but university libraries, in particular, strive to provide information resources in both print and non-print formats to support the university community’s educational services as well as humanity at large library collections.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Every day, according to documented evidence, users report loss, theft, fraud, and vandalism of library resources, necessitating the need for university libraries to provide, maintain, and secure their collections in order to ensure their availability, accessibility, and effective services to their users. As a result, the purpose of this study is to look into the security difficulties and coping techniques faced by university libraries in Enugu, Nigeria, in order to provide effective service delivery.Users rely on library resources for knowledge and new ideas to further their intellectual development, hence the importance of information resources cannot be overstated (Ajegbomogun, 2004). As a result, different levels of delinquency in the utilization of university libraries’ resources exist. The severity of this security issue differs from university library to university library. Mishandling and vandalism of facilities such as CD ROMs, DVDs, and magnetic tapes can quickly crack if not handled carefully or if they fall to the ground. The CD ROM, or DVD, may be damaged, and the information stored on it may be lost. Data loss due to mistreatment of CD ROM, DVD, and magnetic tape, among other things, makes it impossible to access information services.Theft of books, periodicals, CD ROMs, microfilm, computers, and other library materials depletes the library’s resources. These crimes, perpetrated by some users, have prevented many users from properly attaining their information demands, as well as resulting in the loss of numerous priceless materials from university libraries (Ani, 2010). As a result, steps must be taken to conserve and preserve them in order to prevent the entire loss of items in university libraries. As a result, the purpose of this study is to look into the security issues and coping mechanisms faced by university libraries in order to provide successful service delivery in EnuguDVD, magnetic tape, and other formats.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The study’s goal is to look into the security concerns and coping techniques faced by university libraries in Enugu in order to provide successful service delivery. The study’s objectives are as follows:

1. Identify the security issues that are impeding effective service delivery in Enugu’s university libraries.

2. Determine what kinds of security apparatus university libraries in Enugu use to assist service delivery.

3. Learn about the obstacles of implementing library security for successful service delivery in Enugu’s university libraries.

4. Identify measures to improve the application of library security in university libraries in Enugu for optimal service delivery.

RESEARCH QUESTION

The following questions will lead the research:

1. What security issues are preventing effective service delivery in Enugu’s university libraries?

2. What kind of security equipment do university libraries in Enugu use to assist service delivery?

3. What are the difficulties in implementing library security in university libraries in Enugu for successful service delivery?

4. What methods are in place to improve the application of library security in university libraries in Enugu in order to provide optimal service delivery?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The importance of this study stems from the necessity to strengthen the security management of the university library in order to prevent book theft, particularly in relation to research, as well as to re-examine the duties of the university library in order to meet the stated objectives. As a result, the study is valuable because its findings, if used, will aid in the development of solutions to security and crime management problems in order to prevent incessant book thefts. University libraries are not always safe and secure places, and they face a wide range of security concerns, including theft and mutilation of library materials. According to the findings of a number of library studies, most libraries in Enugu State have issues with security management in order to protect library information resources.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study’s goal is to look into the security concerns and coping techniques faced by university libraries in Enugu in order to provide successful service delivery. The study will also determine the types of security apparatus used by Federal University, Enugu Library to support service delivery, as well as the challenges associated with implementing library security for effective service delivery in university libraries in Enugu. Finally, the study will identify strategies to improve the implementation of library security for effective service delivery in university libraries in Enugu. The librarians at the University of Nsukka in Enugu State will provide the respondents for this study.

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The researcher ran into some minor roadblocks while conducting the research, as with any human endeavor. Insufficient funds hamper the researcher’s efficiency in locating relevant materials, literature, or information, as well as in the data collection process, which is why the researcher chose a small sample size. Furthermore, the researcher was working on this study while also doing other academic work. As a result, the time spent on research will be cut in half. acquired from University of Nsukka, Enugu State librarians

Leave a Comment