AN ASSESSMENT INTO THE DIFFICULTIES IN PRESERVING AND CONSERVING SPECIAL COLLECTIONS IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES: AN EXAMINATION OF HASSAN USMAN KATSINA POLYTECHNIC LIBRARY

AN ASSESSMENT INTO THE DIFFICULTIES IN PRESERVING AND CONSERVING SPECIAL COLLECTIONS IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES: AN EXAMINATION OF HASSAN USMAN KATSINA POLYTECHNIC LIBRARY CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study There has been a growing awareness regarding the essential steps required to protect research materials. Libraries and librarians hold crucial responsibilities in this effort. A library is regarded as a comprehensive repository of information, encompassing both printed and non-printed materials, aimed primarily at organizing, distributing, and safeguarding knowledge for present and future use. Today, libraries are often viewed as multifaceted institutions tasked with acquiring, classifying, distributing, preserving, and evaluating information resources in both physical and digital formats (Bassey, 2015). Bassey (2015) emphasizes that libraries provide a variety of information resources to their users, which exist in two main forms: books and non-book materials. Protecting these valuable knowledge assets is essential for the benefit of current and succeeding generations, reflecting the idea of the library as a "shrine of knowledge" (Bassey, 2015). Ottong and Edem (2016) describe a library as an institution or facility that acts as a knowledge repository, housing collections of information resources within a physical space. They assert that many of these materials require specific handling and storage techniques to maintain their usefulness and accessibility for library users. A library is an establishment that holds extensive collections of information materials accessible to users for reference or borrowing. These materials may be available through physical or digital means. The library itself may exist as a tangible building, a virtual environment, or a combination of both. Regardless of its form, the preservation of resources is a vital responsibility, and it falls upon library staff to ensure that these resources remain in optimal condition to guarantee their continued accessibility. Therefore, the preservation of library materials is crucial. Preservation involves proactive measures to prevent or minimize damage and to extend the useful life of collections. Ntui and Ottong (2019) describe a library as a repository of accumulated knowledge and wisdom from scholars past and present, thus emphasizing the importance of preserving its contents in a way that ensures their long-term availability. According to Oyeniyi (2015), preservation encompasses a broad set of activities aimed at prolonging the life of information materials. These activities include strategic planning, adherence to best practices, prevention of deterioration, and restoration of damaged items to functional condition. Harvey (2019) further explains that preservation includes managerial and financial elements such as adequate storage facilities, staffing, policy development, and application of techniques necessary for safeguarding library and archival materials and their contents. In Nigeria, as in many other countries, printed materials such as books, serials, maps, and CDs remain primary mediums for the dissemination of knowledge. Ottong and Edem (2016) note that books, since the advent of printing technology in the medieval era, have been the most prominent medium for sharing knowledge. However, Oyeniyi (2015) provides a different perspective, highlighting the organic nature of paper-based materials, which contain cellulose hemicelluloses derived from plants, making them susceptible to rapid decay and disintegration. Various types of degradation, including chemical, pollutant-induced, light-induced, biological, and physical damage, threaten library materials. Thus, protecting library resources from these harmful factors is essential. Oyeniyi (2015) stresses the importance of preservation efforts by libraries and archives to maintain access and prolong the lifespan of their collections. Preservation supports research activities and prevents the costly need to replace aging materials. This view aligns with Schellenberg’s (2016) study on archival conservation practices, where concerns were raised about the durability of new materials, such as whether their transparency would remain unchanged or if brittleness would develop over time. This concern has been partially validated. The global challenge of conserving deteriorating library resources demands proactive engagement by libraries to effectively meet users’ information needs (Akande, 2019). Libraries acquire materials to meet patrons’ informational and recreational needs. If these materials are neglected or damaged, the knowledge they contain risks becoming inaccessible. Hence, preserving library items in good physical condition is a core duty of library staff to ensure continued availability to users. However, the conditions for storing materials in many Nigerian libraries and archives remain inadequate (Olatokun, 2018). Popoola (2017) highlights that a significant amount of recorded information related to important events and individuals has been lost in electronic media institutions. This unfortunate situation is common in many African tertiary libraries. The degradation of library materials has a long history, and without appropriate interventions, this decay will persist. Protecting intellectual heritage requires an active fight against deterioration. Preservation entails anticipating, preventing, halting, or reducing damage (Baker, 2018). Conservation is the deliberate act of protecting materials from factors that threaten their longevity. Libraries play a critical role in safeguarding information resources to prevent distortion, degradation, and ultimate loss. Academic libraries acquire materials to meet users’ information needs, which have increased due to growing student enrollments. Budget constraints, coupled with rising costs of books and information materials, lead to challenges such as damaged books, warped recordings, and scratched CDs (Popoola, 2017). This study, therefore, focuses on the challenges related to the preservation and conservation of special collections in tertiary institution libraries. 1.2 Statement of the Problem The alarming deterioration of library resources has become a serious concern in recent years. Although this issue has existed for a long time, it has gained increasing importance today (Oyeniyi, 2015). Several factors contribute to this problem, including the availability and types of materials and their storage conditions. Despite the presence of librarians responsible for organizing, managing, and maintaining information resources, the employment of cleaners and gardeners to maintain cleanliness, and security measures to handle emergencies, the problem remains unresolved. Consequently, this study centers on the challenges of preserving and conserving special collections in tertiary institution libraries. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The main goal of this study is to investigate the challenges related to the preservation and conservation of special collections in tertiary institution libraries. The specific objectives include: i. To identify the particular challenges faced in preserving and conserving special collections in the library. ii. To examine the current preservation and conservation methods implemented for special collections. iii. To analyze factors contributing to preservation and conservation challenges, such as environmental conditions, funding, staffing, and technological constraints. iv. To explore successful practices and strategies used by other academic institutions in preserving and conserving special collections. 1.4 Research Questions The study seeks to answer the following questions: i. What are the specific challenges encountered in preserving and conserving special collections within the library? ii. What preservation and conservation practices are currently implemented for special collections? iii. What factors contribute to the challenges in preservation and conservation, including environmental conditions, funding, staffing, and technology? iv. What best practices and strategies do other academic institutions employ to successfully preserve and conserve special collections? 1.5 Research Hypotheses The study proposes the following hypotheses: H0: Preservation and conservation practices are not implemented by the library for its special collections. Ha: Preservation and conservation practices are implemented by the library for its special collections. 1.6 Significance of the Study This research is important for university management, students, and researchers because preservation and conservation are crucial for ensuring that library materials remain accessible and usable for current and future generations. These practices help safeguard cultural heritage, promote scholarship and research, and support the broader dissemination of knowledge. 1.7 Scope of the Study The study focuses on the challenges of preserving and conserving special collections in tertiary institution libraries. It will identify the challenges faced, examine existing preservation and conservation practices, analyze contributing factors such as environmental conditions, funding, staffing, and technology, and explore best practices from other academic institutions. The study is specifically limited to Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic Library. 1.8 Limitations of the Study Like any research endeavor, this study encountered some limitations. Limited funding restricted the ability to access all relevant materials, literature, and information, affecting data collection methods such as internet research, questionnaires, and interviews. The researcher also had to balance this study with other academic responsibilities, reducing the amount of time available for research. Consequently, a moderate sample size was chosen. 1.9 Definition of Terms Preservation: The act of maintaining or protecting something. Conservation: The prevention of wasteful use of resources. Libraries: Buildings or rooms containing collections of books, periodicals, films, and recorded music available for use or borrowing by the public or institutional members.