Comparative Analysis of the Preservation and Conservation Techniques of Selected Special and Academic Libraries in Nigeria

This study was carried out to compare the techniques for the preservation and conservation of library resources in special and academic libraries in Nigeria. The study investigated the causes and types of deterioration, use of ICTs for conservation and preservation, preservation and conservation policies, and the challenges faced by both special and academic libraries in the conservation and preservation of their materials. Survey method was employed and twenty libraries (13 special and 7 academic) were purposively selected from Lagos and Oyo states of Nigeria because of their use of preservation and conservation techniques. Data was collected using structured questionnaire and interview. The qualitative data was thematically analyzed, while Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for quantitative analysis. Findings revealed that there was no difference in the conservation and preservation techniques used in special and academic libraries. It was discovered that the major causes of deterioration in both special and academic libraries were dust and wear and tear due to excessive use and photocopying, while the techniques regularly used for conservation and preservation were shelving to allow free flow of air, cleaning and dusting and the use of insecticides and pesticides. Further findings include the absence of a written policy for preservation and conservation in most of the libraries. Inadequate funding was also revealed as a major challenge to effective preservation and conservation of library resources in both special and academic libraries. The study recommends the provision of a written policy on conservation and preservation for libraries as well as provision of adequate funding for proper implementation of preservation and conservation techniques