ABSTRACT
This study examine the book theft and vandalism in Ambrose
Alli University library. The study uncovered not only methods of` eradicating
theft and vandalism in the library understudy, but also the cause(s) of book
theft and vandalism, how book theft and vandalism are committed, how book theft
and vandalism affected the administration of the library understudy and ways or
methods book theft and vandalism can be prevented from the library system. Some
of the strategies identified include; increased public awareness and staff
training on collection protection, provision of security personnel within and
outside the library premises, provision of adequate photocopying services,
provision of more access to information resources, periodical searching of
students hostels, introduction of stop and search method, installation of
security cameras and provision of electronic resources. The study recommends
provisions of adequate photocopying services in the library, the use of
electronic books in the library, placing plain clothed security staff in
different location of the library, consistent provision of library materials
with the national University commission; ration (10.1) that is 10 books per
students and honouring the provision of national policy on education by the
authorities of higher learning in Nigeria.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Theft and vandalism of library materials
is ill wind that blows no one any good. In the most recent times, the problem
of theft and vandalism of library book has assumed an alarming dimension. In a
study of security problem of university libraries, Nwamefor (1974) described
theft and vandalism as anti –social acts which are universal and persistent in
spite of orientation talks during freshmen week on care and treatment of books.
Library users seem to have devised
various means of vandalizing and stealing of library materials. It does appear
that library fraudsters are introducing more complex and sophisticated methods
of stealing and vandalism books each time library authorities identified and
put measures in place to check already existing methods. That libraries have
lost most of its valuable reading materials to theft and vandalism is not on
understatement. This practices is not limited to one library alone but cuts
across the various types of libraries and this call for concern. To buttress
this point Adebayo and Sakor (1999) in a related study quoted Zeidbsy (1987)
who observed that: between 1979 and 1989 alone, America academic library
reported theft and missing materials including book valued at $ 1.1 million in
plates, engraving, books and manuscripts.
According to Ogunyade (2005), Theft and
vandalism of books are certainly not new development of our time. Such acts can
be traced as far back as 539BC in Egypt when the Persian conquerors removed
rolls of papyri from the library of Rames 11 around 41BC. During the Middle
Ages library books were chain –locked to prevent them from theft.
From the earliest time to the present,
librarian are bothered on how to ensure the protection of library materials
from theft and damage. As custodians of library materials and resources,
librarians own an obligation to their patrons and users to preserve the library
stocks.
Theft and vandalism of library books is
a problem for libraries all over the world. It is costly and descriptive for
both libraries and library patrons. Book theft is the intentional removal of
books from the library in an unauthorized manner.
According to Ogunyade (2005) in many
libraries where periodic or regular stock taking is carried out, it was
discovered that many books were lost resulting from theft and vandalism are
enormous. Typically, libraries lost between 5 and 10% of their collections
annually to theft and vandalism.
The threat to intellectual property
through theft and vandalism has posed tremendous challenges to the library
profession worldwide. According to Jackson (1991), incidents of theft, non
–return of materials and vandalization of library stock are on the increase.
According to Izundu (2006), theft and
vandalization of library materials is an ill wind that blows no one any good.
In the most recent times, the problem of library book theft and vandalism has
assumed an alarming dimension. In a study of security problems of university
libraries. Harry (2010) reveal that these antisocial activities are more
pronounced for almost all third world countries. Ajegbomogun (2004) sees theft
and vandalism as a common phenomenon in Nigerian universities and if not
checked will create a serious threat to Nigerian library’s collection and
preservations.
According to Akor (2013), libraries have
been seen as one of the pillars of civilization. No nation can function
effectively without the use of a library. The term library means a collection
of educational materials organized for use. The word is derived from the Latin
word Liber which mean a book. This is a good reason to believe that the root
concept of library is deeply embedded in our ways of thinking about the world
and coping with its constraints. In its primary role as guardian of the social memory,
there are many parallels with the ways in which the human memory orders, stores
and retrieved the information necessary for survival.
Alokun (2003) affirm that libraries are
essential established to cater for the information needs of different
categories of users which covers different economical, social and cultural
aspects.
In order to achieve its purposes
libraries have to put their best in securing, managing and preventing libraries
collections from theft and vandalisation to meet the demand of its heterogeneous
clientele.
Library users seem to have devised
various means of mutilating and outright stealing of library materials. It does
appear that library fraudsters are introducing more complex and sophisticated
methods of theft and vandalism each time library authorities identified and put
measures in place to check an already existing method.
Gojeh (1999), book vandalism loss reduces
the efficiency of libraries in terms of materials resources. Library users
become disappointed, frustrated and even losing confidence in the sorts of
services provided in the library. He further observed that: vandalism of books,
and book theft cost most libraries a considerable sum of money. Some mutilated
books must be replaced while others that are badly and mired must be sent to
the binding for major or minor surgeries
Akor (2013) stated that the crimes,
which are committed by some users of the academic libraries, have deprived many
others from fully achieving their information need. Vandalism, mutilation,
defacement, theft etc are problems regularly encountered by the users of these
libraries.
That problem of theft and vandalism of
library materials has crept into Ambrose Alli University library system is no
exaggeration but confirmed that the ascertain of the researcher that theft and
vandalism are not limited to one library alone, but cut across board. But the
question is what are the possible methods library fraudsters devise to
vandalize and allegedly remove books from the library and what strategies can
be put in place in order to combat the library fraudsters devise.
According to Billington (2014), to
develop a strategy to address the array of concern associated with the
preservation and safekeeping of cultural heritage assets, the library of congress
has identified four (4) interrelated components:
(a) Physical
security
(b) Bibliographic
controls
(c) Inventory
control
(d) Preservation
Traditionally, when we thought of
security of our collection, we focused on physical security controls. In
developing a comprehensive collections security program, there is need to
integrate the other three components as well. But physical security remains
key. We must ensure the security of our facilities so that our staff, visitors
and library collections are safe.
According to Billington (2014), the
integrated library system was successfully launched in 1999, to enhance the
library bibliographic and item tracking controls. In the same year (1999), the
preservation program preserved close to 500,000 items, working in a number of
areas, including mass deacidification, conservation treatment, microfilming and
binding. These measures will serve the mandates to preserve the library of
congress collection for use.
For the purpose of the study, it is
assumed that library users exists in the academic library understudy. These
users cause damage to library materials. This study will cover the various
means and devices to safeguard library materials from being vandalized by
obnoxious and antisocial library users.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Ambrose Alli University library is
traditionally built to meet the needs of the students, lecturers, researchers
and the university communities through the provision of qualitative and
adequate information resources and services.
But the rate at which materials in
Ambrose Alli university library disappear mysteriously has reached unimaginable
dimension. According to Michael (2005), the delinquent behaviors of vandalizing
library materials is a mark of moral decadence that must be investigated. There
are many issues of theft and vandalism in Ambrose Alli University Library, the
library is relatively big, the number of porters are few compared with the
large number of students that use the resources, this will make the library
fraudsters to easily beat the security checkpoint when stealing and vandalizing
library books and this is what provoke the researcher to unravels the
strategies to combat theft and vandalism in the library.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective is to determine possible
ways or method of combating book
theft and vandalism in Ambrose Alli University Library. Specifically the study
is designed to:
1. Identify
the cause(s) of book theft and vandalism in the library understudy.
2. Identify
how book theft and vandalism are committed.
3. Identify
how book theft and vandalism affected the administration of the library.
4. Identify
ways book theft and vandalism can be prevented from library system.
1.4 Research Questions
The following research questions will
guide the study:
1. What
are the cause(s) of book theft and vandalism of library materials?
2. What
are the means through which library materials are being stolen?
3. Does
lack of trained personnel such as porters, library assistants and library attendants
affect book theft and vandalism?
4. What
method does the library adopt to prevent its information resources from theft
and vandalism?
1.5 Significance of the Study
The significance of this study is base
on the need and strategies for combating both theft and vandalism of Ambrose
Alli University Library materials and the study would uncover the possible
causes of book theft and vandalism in libraries and identify the various
methods by which some library users vandalize and steal library books and give
suggestion on how best to address the problem.
The study would therefore, be of great
benefits to librarians and library authorities for it would help them to give
more attention to the issue of library security and also create an awareness of
library security consciousness on the users as they (users) also share on the
negative effects of theft and vandalism.
Finally, it is the belief of the
researcher that the findings and suggestions of this study would help find a
long lasting solution to the problem of theft and vandalism in libraries, and
it would also serve as a reference point for further researcher in this area of
study.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The study is limited to Ambrose Alli
University Library, it is to investigate causes of theft and vandalism in the
library as well as try to proffer solutions.
1.7 Limitations
Investigation is systematic and
cumbersome, it has not been easy putting the research work together as a result
of some constraints which includes:
Time Factor:
Time is one of the major areas of difficulty. It has not been easy combining
the research work with other academic work, especially when the second semester
work is telling on the research and the examination around the corner.
Financial Constraint:
Finance is another challenge faced by the research, sometimes, after the
researcher had found the needed materials that would be of help in this
research but was unable to purchase and print them because of the financial
constraints.
Distance:
Distance also poses some problems, because of the long distance between the
researcher’s residence and the place of research study. And the increase in
fuel which force the cost of transportation to increase make things more
difficult for the researcher.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
1. Combating:
This is a process of fighting for victory.
2. Book:
A written or printed work consisting of pages bound in a cover
3. Theft:
This simply means stealing or taking away something in an unlawful way.
4. Book Theft:
This is the deliberate or unauthorized removal of books from its proper place.
5. Vandalism:
This is a deliberate damaging of something.
6. Book Vandalism:
This is an act of destroying or removal of an essential part of a book as to
render it useless.
7. Library:
A building containing a collection of book etc, for consulting or borrowing
8. Academy library:
This is the library attached to institution of higher learning or tertiary
institution such as universities, colleges of education, polytechnics and
colleges of technologies.
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