Electronic Security Systems in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of Three University Systems in South-West Nigeria.

This study examines the effectiveness of electronic security systems in academic libraries with a focus on selected university libraries in South-West Nigeria. The study is to find out what electronic security systems are in use in academic libraries, how library materials are removed illegally, and to ascertain the effectiveness of the electronic devices in the libraries. A survey method was used for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics of frequency counts and percentages were used to analyze data gathered through the survey. One hundred and nine (109) copies of the questionnaire were distributed. Eighty-one (81) copies (74%) were duly completed and retrieved from the respondents. A participant observation method was also employed to measure how effective the electronic security devices are. The study unveils that academic libraries have suffered adversely from security issues and other anti-social menaces and that the installation of electronic security devices would drastically curb the situation