Overview of Security Measures in Nigerian University Libraries

Abstract

The paper takes a look at the incidence of mutilation and theft and of library materials, and  gives users’ assessment of library security and factors that influence mutilation and theft  among library users in Nigerian university libraries. Librarians all over the world are  increasingly disturbed with the safety and physical integrity of important intellectual  properties. Periodical and reference materials are the most likely materials that will be  mutilated. All of the libraries still rely exclusively on manual checks carried out by unskilled  personnel at the library exit and entrance. The high cost of photocopying and frequent  breakdown of copiers was the causes of library material theft and mutilation. The results  show that all the university libraries stamps specific pages, with security personnel and  porters are at the entrance door of the libraries checking in and checking out users of the  library. Findings from the study revealed that university libraries in Nigeria must adopt  security measures to prevent theft of library materials. Therefore, media centers and libraries  must adopt security measures to protect the software and hardware from serious harm. The  paper wrap up by offering some constructive suggestions on the way out of these problems.