ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to to determine the preservation and conservation practices in libraries of private Universities in Abia State. The research design used was a survey research design. The study population consisted of 41 staff of Rhema University library, Gregory University library, Cliford University and Spritan University library. The sample size for the study is 41, as the whole population was enumerated.A Likert-four point rating scale were used as data collection instruments. The rating scale was distributed techniques to 41 staff, all was returned and used for analysis. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean scores, frequency and percentage with the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The study found that the Preservation and conservation practices in libraries of private Universities in Ahia State includes Security of library materials, Disaster recovery procedure, Environmental control, Handling of library materials, Training of staff on preservation and conservation of library materials, Digitization of Information Materials, Dusting of Library resources, Reserving (i.e. placing the materials on reserve), Microfilming of Information Materials, and Fumigation of Information Materials. It also revealed that the major Challenges of preservation and conservation in libraries of private Universities in Ahia State which includes: High acidity levels of book materials, Excessive Light in the library, Biological agents (e.g. Termite, Cockroaches, Spider, and Rodents etc.) in the library, Poor Power Supply in the library, Air pollution, Relative humidity in the library and Lack of Technical Know-how.The recommendations made to improve theavailability and accessibility of information resources include: There should be periodic training and retraining of library staff in order to ensure professionalism and competence in service provision. There should be proper orientation of library staff on preservation and conservation of information materials. There should be proper funding to enable the library acquire the needed equipment like fumigation materials and ventilation equipment's for preserving and conservation of library materials. The library should provide enough shelves so that there will be proper spacing between the books.