Measures For Effective Preservation And Conservation Of Non-Print Materials In North Central University Libraries In Nigeria : - Amaoge Dorathy A

Abstract This study investigated the measures for effective preservation and conservation ofnonprint materials in university libraries in North Central Nigeria. It intends to ascertain the extent ofdeterioration ofnon-print materials, find out the preservation and conservation skills possessed by librarians, identify the challenges associated with preservation and conservation of non-print materials and determine measures for effective preservation and conservation of non-print materials in the university libraries. Descriptive survey design was used for the study with a population of 467 library staff. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire, interview and observation checklist. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Percentages, weighted mean scores and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. The study revealed that, computers, overhead projectors, film strips, severs, CD-ROM, diskettes, DVD, Slides, flash, films, VCD, CD, transparencies, Multi-media projectors, Televisions and Microfiche reader are non-printmaterials that deteriorate to a greatextent. The studyequally foundoutthatthe respondentspossess to a great extent, skills in being conversant with the degree of temperature and relative humidity required for library materials, they are aware ofdifferent types ofdisaster that can happen in the library and how to prevent them, possess the necessary conservation and preservation skills in selecting vendors for the supply of preservation equipments among others. It was equallyrevealed thatmajor challenges facing preservation and conservation ofnonprint materials are; outdated non-existent software, lack of well articulated programme, inadequate manpower, andlackoftrainedpersonnel, lackofpreservation policy an ac of funds. It was also revealed that the measures for effective preservation ana conservation of non-print library resources include but not limited to the following, care and handling ofnon-print materials by staff of the libraries, possession ofconse^' laboratories by university libraries, provision ofpreservation and conserve ion i budgets, provision ofincentives to support preservation activities, provisio by libraries to avoid theft, and mutilation and provision of adequate ur1 . ns Preservation and conservation ofnon-printmaterials. Conclusion an were made basedon the research findings