INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF PRESERVATION AND UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION RESOURCES AT SA'ADU ZUNGUR UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, GADAU
- Project Research
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- Recommended for : Student Researchers
- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
University libraries play a pivotal role in supporting the academic and research endeavors of students and faculty. Information resources, encompassing print and digital materials, are fundamental to the success of these institutions (Afolabi, 2022). The preservation and utilization of these resources are critical to ensuring their longevity and accessibility for future generations. Preservation refers to the strategies and actions taken to protect library materials from physical deterioration and obsolescence (Ngulube & Ukwoma, 2021). Utilization involves the effective use of these resources by library patrons to meet their informational needs.
The concept of preservation in libraries has evolved with advancements in technology. Traditional methods focused on physical preservation, such as proper storage and handling of books and manuscripts. However, the digital age has introduced new challenges and opportunities. Digital preservation involves maintaining the integrity and accessibility of electronic resources, which are susceptible to technological obsolescence and data corruption (Iwhiwhu, Eghwubare & Igun, 2021). As libraries increasingly acquire digital resources, effective digital preservation strategies are essential.
The utilization of information resources is equally important. It is not enough to merely preserve materials; they must be accessible and used effectively by the library's patrons. Studies have shown that the utilization of library resources is influenced by factors such as user awareness, ease of access, and the relevance of the resources to users' needs (Ogbonyomi & Yusuf, 2020). Moreover, the advent of digital libraries and online databases has transformed how users access and interact with information, highlighting the need for libraries to adapt to these changes.
Sa'adu Zungur University Library, Gadau, like many academic libraries, faces the dual challenge of preserving its diverse collection of information resources while ensuring their optimal utilization. The library's collection includes printed books, journals, manuscripts, and digital resources. Effective preservation practices are necessary to protect these materials from physical and digital decay. Simultaneously, strategies to enhance the utilization of these resources are crucial to support the academic and research activities at the university.
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the intersection of preservation and utilization of library resources. Researchers argue that preservation efforts should not be isolated from utilization strategies; instead, they should be integrated to maximize the value of library collections (Chigwada, Chiparausha & Kasiroori, 2023). This study aims to investigate the effect of preservation practices on the utilization of information resources at Sa'adu Zungur University Library, Gadau, providing insights into how these two aspects can be harmonized to enhance the library's service delivery.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite the critical role of academic libraries, many face significant challenges in preserving and utilizing their information resources effectively. At Sa'adu Zungur University Library, Gadau, anecdotal evidence suggests that preservation practices may be inadequate, potentially leading to the deterioration of valuable resources. Additionally, there are concerns about the underutilization of available resources, which may hinder the academic and research output of the university community.
The problem is multifaceted. Physical materials are susceptible to environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and handling, which can cause deterioration over time (Baker & Prescott, 2022). Digital materials, on the other hand, face risks such as data corruption, software obsolescence, and cyber threats. Without effective preservation strategies, these resources may become inaccessible or unusable.
Moreover, the utilization of information resources is influenced by factors such as user awareness, accessibility, and the relevance of the resources to users' needs. Preliminary observations indicate that many students and faculty members at Sa'adu Zungur University may not be fully aware of the resources available to them, or they may find it challenging to access these resources effectively (Onuoha, 2020).
Given these challenges, there is a need for a comprehensive investigation into the current preservation and utilization practices at Sa'adu Zungur University Library. This study aims to identify the gaps and propose strategies to enhance both preservation and utilization, thereby improving the overall effectiveness of the library in supporting the university's academic mission.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
- To assess the current preservation practices of information resources at Sa'adu Zungur University Library.
- To evaluate the extent of utilization of information resources by the library's students.
- To determine the relationship between preservation practices and the utilization of information resources.
1.4 Research Questions
- What are the current preservation practices for information resources at Sa'adu Zungur University Library?
- To what extent are the information resources at Sa'adu Zungur University Library utilized by students?
- What is the relationship between preservation practices and the utilization of information resources?
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study is significant for several reasons. First, it will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of current preservation practices at Sa'adu Zungur University Library, identifying areas that require improvement. Second, it will shed light on the extent to which the library's resources are utilized by students and faculty, highlighting any barriers to access and use. Third, by exploring the relationship between preservation and utilization, the study will contribute to the broader understanding of how these two aspects can be integrated to enhance library services. The findings will be beneficial not only to Sa'adu Zungur University but also to other academic libraries facing similar challenges.
1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study
The study will focus on the preservation and utilization of information resources at Sa'adu Zungur University Library, Gadau. It will include both physical and digital resources. The study will involve an assessment of current preservation practices, an evaluation of resource utilization by library patrons, and an investigation of the relationship between these two aspects. The study will be limited to the resources available at the university library and will not cover other libraries or external resources.
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms
Preservation: The activities and strategies aimed at protecting library resources from physical and digital deterioration to ensure their longevity and continued accessibility.
Utilization: The effective use of library resources by patrons to meet their informational needs.
Information Resources: The collection of materials, both physical (books, journals, manuscripts) and digital (e-books, online databases), available at the library.
Digital Preservation: The processes involved in maintaining and providing continued access to digital materials over time.
Library Patrons: The users of the library, including students, faculty, and staff of Sa'adu Zungur University.
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