PRESERVATION OF INFORMATION SOURCES FOR EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY IN POLYTECHNIC LIBRARIES IN NORTH- EAST NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This study is designed  to determine  the preservation  of information  sources for  effective service delivery in polytechnic libraries in North East Nigeria. The entire population of 10 polytechnic libraries was used for the study which investigated the libraries professional and non-professional staff perception and involvement in preservation activities. To achieve the purpose  of the study,  six (6) specific  objectives  and research  questions  were formulated covering  the  types  of  information  sources  available,  the  preservation  devices  used  in polytechnic libraries, the method adopted in preservation of information sources, the extent to which preservation of information source has contributed to effective services delivery, the constraints  to  effective  preservation  of information  source  in the polytechnic  libraries  in North East Nigeria,  and strategies for enhancing the effective preservation of information sources.  The  instruments  used  for  data  collection  for  the  study were  questionnaire  and observation checklist. Percentage and mean were used for data analysis. The major findings of the study revealed that each of the institutions  recorded availability of the  information sources.  The  availability  of  the  sources  is  quite  appreciable.  The  preservation  devices revealed that out of 12 items listed for effective service delivery in polytechnic libraries in the North  East  Nigeria,   appreciable   percentage   are  available.   It  can  be  concluded   that preservation of information sources in polytechnic libraries in North East, Nigeria was given priority as level of institution management supports for preservation of information sources was very high. The result of findings show that there are so many challenges to preservation of print  sources  in the  polytechnic  library  including  poor  funding,  poor  quality,  lack of trained personal, lack of storage  facilities,  shortage of power/power-failure  and inadequate sensitization  of  library  staff  and  users.  It  was  therefore  recommended  that  polytechnic libraries  should  be  adequately  funded  by  all  tiers  of  the  government  and  the  existing preservation policies of information sources in polytechnic libraries should be reviewed.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The   relevance   of   libraries   in   the   Nigerian   educational   system   cannot   be overemphasized. Library is associated with education and education is a societal instrument of  change  which  consequently   affects  the  social,  political,   economic,   scientific   and technological changes (Daluba & Maxwell, 2013). Polytechnic libraries serve as the fulcrum which the intellectual activities of tertiary institutions hinge on.  Tertiary education will be incomplete and largely defective without the existence of  academic libraries, stocked with relevant information resources and manned by competent professionals. Polytechnic library is a strong education force which helps  every student in the polytechnic to fulfill his or her obligation   and   to   achieve   self-development   (Dibua,   2000).   Through   their   services, polytechnic libraries help the polytechnic to attain their objectives of training the manpower required for the development of the Nation.

Polytechnic   libraries  are  repositories  of  information  and  educational   resources consciously  acquired,  preserved  and  made  available  for  the  use  of  the   members  of polytechnic. They represent the polytechnic’s sole instrument capable of infecting the totality of knowledge  to their  clients  (Ogbodo,  2011). The essence  of  polytechnic  libraries  is to support and enrich polytechnic education by catering for the diverse information needs of the student and staff of polytechnics. The fundamental objective of polytechnic education is the training  of  professionally  skilled  workers   who  are  supposed  to  constitute  manpower (Abdulsalami  & Salami,  2013).  Hence,  the  services  offered  by polytechnic  libraries  are tailored towards the needs of their clienteles who comprise students, lecturers, technologists and  administrative  staff  of  the  institution.  Omekwu  and  Eruvwe  (2014)  stated  that  the services rendered in polytechnic libraries keep widening to include acquisition of books and

other  media,  reference  services,  serials  control,  cataloguing  and  classification  and  then making them available to information seekers. Polytechnic  library ensure this by selecting and acquiring information materials in accordance with their collection development policies.

Polytechnic libraries, unarguably, remain an inseparable part of polytechnics set up which provide adequate information required to sustain and promote the intellectual activities of such institutions. Polytechnic libraries act as the cohesive force which binds the academic activities of polytechnic. According to Nwalo (2001), the polytechnic library has the primary objective  of providing  literature  support  for  the entire  academic, research  and  extension programmes of the parent institutions. They serve as an extension of teaching and learning activities in polytechnics by providing conducive environment for personal development and access to wide range of educational  resources  required  for higher academic achievement. Hence, polytechnic education is incomplete without the existence of functional libraries.

The functions of polytechnic libraries are similar to that of other academic libraries. Okechukwu (2005) noted that polytechnic libraries help to educate people to be able to solve economic, social, educational, cultural, political and scientific problems.  The duties of the polytechnic  libraries  are  to  accumulated,  process,  store  and  disseminate  sciences  and technology   information,   which   are   vital   for   the   rapid   scientific   and   technological advancement of the country. Polytechnic libraries are expected to be effective and efficient in the service delivery to ensure that the needs of  the users are met, current and accessible information source are suitable and available at all time.

Service delivery, according to World Metrological Organization (WMO) (2010), can be seen as the activity that meets the needs of a user or can be applied by a user. According to Uhegbu  (2007),  service delivery refers to the service effectiveness  that  deals with reader services offered by library to satisfy the various information needs of its users. To Kumar (2015), service delivery is a special process describing a complete and integrated approach

for performing a specific project type. It provides a complete end-to-end lifecycle and can be used as a reference for running projects with similar characteristics.

For service delivery to be effective, it should possess such attributes as; availability, timelyness,    dependability,    reliability,    usability,    usefulness,    credibility,   authenticity, flexibility,  sustainability as well as expandability.  Service  delivery is a continuous  cyclic process for developing and delivering user-focused  services.  Effective service delivery in polytechnic  libraries  should  be  provided  to   users  so  as  to  enable  them  access  their information needs effectively.

Polytechnic libraries delivered varied services to their customers. These range  from provision of information sources in print and electronic formats, lending of books to users for a specific period of time reference services, charging and discharging of library information materials, guiding users in locating their information  needs, user  education,  orientation of newly admitted students and newly appointed staff who registered as members of the library, among others. These services delivered by the  library enable both the library management and  the  users  to  know  what  to  expect  and  not  expect  from  a  service  (Kumar,  2015). Therefore,  it  can  be  deduced  from  the  above,  that  polytechnic  libraries  provide  varied services in order to satisfy the information needs of its patrons and this also makes it possible to provide all necessary information resources available to its clientele for effective service delivery.

Thus, polytechnic  libraries are expected to be effective and efficient in the  service they offer to ensure that the needs of the users are met. To achieve these,  preservation of information  sources  is  therefore  imperative  when  considering  the  forms  and  format  of information and environments for operations. According to Aina, (2002) information sources are materials consulted for knowledge about a topic, a theme, an event, a date, a number, a place or even a word.

Feather (2007) stated that issues that have to do with preservation actions  include planning, conservation, treatment, and prevention actions adopted by any library to improve the environment or otherwise reduce risk of damage or loss. It also deals with formatting and reformatting strategies to provide access without physical use of original object. Information sources  can  be  in  print  or  in  electronic  version,  and  they  are  vital and  delicate.  Since information  sources  give  general  information  about  a  variety  of  topics.  These  are  often considered  to  be  general  reference  source,  meaning  that  they  provide  basic  facts  and knowledge that can be used as foundation for ones research. A little time spent in background information sources can save a tremendous amount of time when searching in databases and more subject specific  sources. In this regard the way and manner the sources are handled particularly in ICT  driven society can affect the life span of the information contained  in them.

Preservation  covers  everything  which  contributes  to  the  physical  well-being  of information resources; it includes the protection, maintenance and restoration of library and archive  information  resources.  Preservation  also  includes all the  managerial  and financial consideration such as storage, accommodation provision, staffing levels, policies, techniques and  methods  involved  in  preserving  library  and   archive  information  sources  and  the information contain in them. Preservation is an aspect of the management of the library. Its objective is to ensure that information sources of any kind of form survive in an accessible and suitable form for as long as it is wanted (Popoola, 2003).

Preservation of information sources in polytechnic libraries has been described  as the  totality  of  the  steps  necessary  to  ensure  the  permanent  accessibility  of  a  particular material forever. Suman (2008) added to that opinion when he stated that preservation is a transfer of information to another medium, such as microfilm and electronic materials. In the same  vain,  Ogbodo  (2004)  stressed  that  preservation  involves  all the measures  taken to

guarantee the safety of print and non print materials in the libraries. Ogbodo’s assertion is in line with Aina (2007) when he posited that preservation is a means of taking care of library materials  to  avoid  deterioration.  Various  views  have  been  expressed  by  researchers  to buttress the importance of preservation of information sources in polytechnic libraries as it can be seen in their definitions above.

Methods adopted that has to do with preservation information sources in polytechnic libraries  is aimed  at prolongation  of the  lifespan  of document  through  the  utilization  of sources that can link users or guide them to the complete documents and information to aid decision making. Ogbodo (2011) reported that the methods that these polytechnic libraries adopted in preserving their information sources are; repairs, use of firefighting equipments, binding,  fumigation,  air-conditioning,  proper  storage,  and  photocopy/duplication,  use  of insecticides  and storage of books away from light.  Modern technologies  were adopted  to maintain access to them.

Print and other digital collections are at risk when the individual polytechnic library lacks a  comprehensive  preservation.  To  find  it  easy the modern  preservation  process  in polytechnics libraries in the digital era carry out some practices to ensure the elongation of information  sources  and  resources.  Apparently,  the  Cornell  University  Library  (2005) submitted that one of the practices carried out on the deteriorated  information materials is rebinding.  Rebinding  is the binding  again of the cover  of  information  materials  that  got deteriorated.

There are many preservation practices carried out in preserving information materials apart from rebinding, including the following:

i.      Digitization:  this  has  to  do  with  the  conversion  of  print  information  materials  to electronic   format.   It  is  a  preservation   method   carried  out  on  books,   journals, newspapers, dictionaries, encyclopedia,  etc. It is a preservation means  because when

successfully completed, both the original and digitized materials can be used  thereby reducing much pressure of usage on the original materials.

ii.     Microfilming:  In this  situation,  the original  documents  contents  are  captured  using camera so that the information can be stored in microfilm strip. Both microfilm strip and original document are accessed.

iii.     Copying: In this practice, an original document is being reproduced. This can be done through  photocopying  as a common  way of copying  information  from  the  original document.

Other standard best-practices in preservation of information sources and resources in the digital age as noted by the American Library Association (2014)  include encapsulation, whereby the document is protected against external damage and it can be removed safely from  the  cover;  electronic  reproduction,  as  in the  case  of  audio  or  video  reproduction; migration, where information is transferred from one media to another etc.

Preservation   devices   in   polytechnic   libraries   include:   fire   extinguisher,   fire alarm/smoking   detectors,  user  id,  window  burglary,  Close  Circuit  Television   (CCT), functional photocopies, mechanical traps for rodent, digitalization of rare library materials, stamping library material with ownership, stamping, and use of electronic security system. Fire extinguisher a devices containing water or special gas, powder or form (a mass of small bubbles that is put onto a fire to stop it from burning). This device is also designed to deliver chemical, usually in a stream, that can suppress or extinguish a fire, fire extinguisher are a carbon dioxide extinguisher or Co2 extinguisher, and soda-acid extinguisher.

Fire alarm/smoking detector is a comprehensive guide including everything one will need to get stated, from tips on how to select volunteer, to pointers on soliciting donations and publicizing program. It is important to have enough smoke alarm in ones home, place of work, libraries etc. Fire research has demonstrated that with today modern furnishing fire can

spread much more rapidly than is the past when more natural materials were used. User ID identifies unique users. By using your own identifier,  you can associate  engagement  data from multiple devices and different session with unique I.Ds.

Close circuit television is a T.V system in which signals are not publicly distributed but are monitored, primary for surveillance and security purposes. CCTV relies on strategic placement of cameras which communicate with monitor and/or video recorded across private coaxial cable runs or wireless communication links; they gain the designation closed-circuit” to indicate that access to their content is limited by design only to those who are able to see it. Photocopier  machine  also  called  photocopier  are devices  for producing  copies of text or graphic materials by the use of light, heat, chemical, or electrostatic charge.

Generally, available literature has shown that polytechnic libraries globally, and their information  resources  are essential  tools for education  and these information  sources  are generally ephemeral (short life span) and as such because of the constant use they undergo everyday in libraries  especially academic  libraries,  they are bound  to  tear and wear. But despite these facts, they are bound to be used. This wear and tear of information sources, is a great challenge  to polytechnic  libraries  globally.  Furthermore,  the condition  under  which these information sources are stored is worrisome. Most of the information sources are not stored in a proper condition that will prolong their life span. Some information sources that need to be laminated or  stored in a pamphlet boxes are left open and as a result, rodents, trinities and dust affects these materials.

In view of the above, the main problem facing polytechnic libraries globally is lack of funds. Robert (2003) explained that funding is the process of raising money or capital for any kind of expenditure. Polytechnic libraries in developing countries such as Nigeria are facing major  problems  of  funding  due  to  non-growing  and  decreasing  appropriation  from  the

polytechnic  libraries  stakeholders  and  other  funding  agencies.  This  really  affects  the preservation practices in polytechnic libraries as a whole.

Moreso, the current situation in polytechnic libraries is that they cannot order for new materials  because  of lack  of funds and  (outdated,  and deteriorated  materials).  Therefore government  and the management  of polytechnic  libraries  should  as a  matter  of urgency, ensure  adequate  funding  of  polytechnic  libraries  so  that  information  sources  should  be preserved effectively.

Unfortunately, lack of funding has created a set-back in the acquisition of information sources  as  well as their  preservation.  To  achieve  this,  there  is  need  for  preservation  of information  sources  in  polytechnic  libraries  in  North  East  Nigeria  through  the  use  of preservation  devices,  such  as  binding  of  deteriorated  materials,  lamination  of  materials, regular  dusting  of  materials,  photocopying,  etc.    Attama  (2005)  opine  that  polytechnic libraries  would be incapable of fully realizing their  objectives without the availability of heritage of mankind’s documented knowledge. The library is a reservoir of this knowledge and wisdom. It provides the problem for the development of human capital for technological advancement.

There are six states in the North East geopolitical zone of Nigeria namely: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe state. There are four federal polytechnics located in four of the six states of the region which are: Federal  Polytechnic  Mubi, Adamawa  state which  was  established  in  1979;  Federal  polytechnic  Bauchi,  Bauchi  state  which  was established in 1979; Federal Polytechnic  Bali, Taraba state which was established  in 2007 and Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe state which was established in 1987. There are also six state polytechnics  in the  region and each is located in each of the states namely are: Adamawa  state  polytechnic  Numan,  which was established  in 1991; Abubakar  Tatari Ali Polytechnic   Bauchi,  Bauchi  state  which  was  established  in  1988;  Ramat  Polytechnic

Maiduguri,  Borno state which was established  in 1973; Gombe state polytechnic  Nafada- Bajoga which was established in 2013; Taraba state polytechnic Suntai which was established in 1991 and Mai Idris Alooma polytechnic  Geidam, Yobe state which was  established  in

2002.

Statement of the Problem

Thus, polytechnic  libraries are expected to be effective and efficient in the  service they offer to ensure that the needs of the users are met. To achieve these,  preservation of information  sources  is  therefore  imperative  when  considering  the  forms  and  format  of information and environments for operations. However, preservation of information sources and resources in the polytechnic libraries is a determinant to effective service delivery. Thus, non- preservation of information sources can as well affect the life span of the resources in the library thereby making it hard to meet the users’ information needs.

Despite the importance of preservation of information resources, observation reveals that preservation of information resources in libraries generally is low. Preservation practices and methods for safeguarding  information resources in the  polytechnic  libraries  generally seem to be at low ebb. However, the strategies, methods or techniques that are being used by the  polytechnic  libraries  in  the  North-East  Nigeria  in  preservation  of  their  information resources for enhancing service delivery have not been determined. This gave rice to tthis study.

The problem  put in question then is, what are the types of information  sources, preservation devices used and methods adopted in the preservation of information sources in polytechnic libraries in North East Nigeria and to what extent has preservation of information sources contributed to effective services delivery in the polytechnic libraries in North East Nigeria?

Purpose of the Study

The  main  purpose  of  the  study is  to  investigate  the  preservation  of  information sources  for effective  services delivery in polytechnic  libraries  in  North-East  geo-political zone of Nigeria. The study is designed specifically, to:

1.   Ascertain the types of information sources available in polytechnic libraries in North East

Nigeria.

2.   Examine the preservation devices used in polytechnic libraries in North East Nigeria.

3.   Find out the method adopted in preservation of information sources in the  polytechnic libraries in North East Nigeria

4.   Determine the extent to which preservation of information resources has contributed to effective services delivery in the polytechnic libraries.

5.   Identify the challenges associated with preservation of information sources in polytechnic libraries in North East Nigeria.

6.   Proffer  strategies  for  enhancing  the preservation  of information  sources  for  effective service delivery in the polytechnic libraries in North East Nigeria.

Research question

The following research questions were formulated to guide the study:

1.   What  are  the  types  of  information  resources  in  polytechnic  libraries  in  North  East

Nigeria?

2.   What are the preservation devices used in the polytechnic libraries in North East Nigeria?

3.   What  are  the methods  adopted  in preservation  of information  sources  in  polytechnic libraries in North East Nigeria?

4.   What  is  the  extent  to  which  preservation  of  information  sources  has  contributed  to effective services delivery in the polytechnic libraries?

5.   What  are  the  challenges  associated  with  preservation  of  information  resources  foe effective service delivery in polytechnic libraries in North East Nigeria?

6.   What are the strategies for enhancing preservation of information resources for effective service delivery in polytechnic libraries in North East Nigeria?

Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will be helpful to the following: National Board for Technical

Education (NBTE), management of polytechnics, Government, Librarians and researchers.

From the findings of this work, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) will be informed  on the extent of availability and types of information  sources found in polytechnic libraries in North East, Nigeria as well ease accreditation exercise.

The findings of this study will reveal the level of preservation practices adopted by polytechnic  libraries.  Based  on such information,  management  of polytechnic  libraries  in North East will determine the result and if it is negative, they may make their own individual effort   in  improving   the  situations   in  order   to  prevent   the  library   documents   from deterioration.

The study will identify various strategies polytechnic libraries can employ in order to achieve better results in preservation of information sources and reduce loss of documents and adoption of poor methods of preservation. It is also hoped that the findings of this study will be  useful  to  government  by providing  them  with  information  on why users  find  it difficult  to access information  in the polytechnic  libraries  The findings  of the study will provide  strategies  on  how  to  address  the  situation  by  encouraging  the  use  of  modern technology.

Finally  it  is  expected  that  the  findings  of  this  study will  have  implication  on  the approaches necessary for promoting effective service delivery through proper preservation of information sources in polytechnic libraries to meet users’ information needs.

Scope of the Study

The research work covers polytechnics libraries in North-East geo-political Zone of Nigeria. The respondents include all the library staff members that are involved in the study. The study is limited to the preservation of information sources for effective service delivery in libraries of these polytechnics.

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