Electronic Security Systems in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of Three University Libraries in South-West Nigeria.

This study examines the effectiveness of electronic security systems in academic libraries with a focus on selected university libraries in South-West Nigeria. The study is to find out what electronic security systems are in use in academic libraries, how library materials are removed illegally, and to ascertain the effectiveness of the electronic devices in the libraries. A survey method was used for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics of frequency counts and percentages were used to analyze data gathered through the survey. One hundred and nine (109) copies of the questionnaire were distributed. Eighty-one (81) copies (74%) were duly completed and retrieved from the respondents. A participant observation method was also employed to measure how effective the electronic security devices are. The study unveils that academic libraries have suffered adversely from security issues and other anti-social menaces and that the installation of electronic security devices would drastically curb the situation

Electronic Security Systems in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of Three University Systems in South-West Nigeria.

This study examines the effectiveness of electronic security systems in academic libraries with a focus on selected university libraries in South-West Nigeria. The study is to find out what electronic security systems are in use in academic libraries, how library materials are removed illegally, and to ascertain the effectiveness of the electronic devices in the libraries. A survey method was used for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics of frequency counts and percentages were used to analyze data gathered through the survey. One hundred and nine (109) copies of the questionnaire were distributed. Eighty-one (81) copies (74%) were duly completed and retrieved from the respondents. A participant observation method was also employed to measure how effective the electronic security devices are. The study unveils that academic libraries have suffered adversely from security issues and other anti-social menaces and that the installation of electronic security devices would drastically curb the situation

Use of electronic security systems in academic libraries: experiences of selected universities in South-West Nigeria.

Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.This study investigated the use of electronic security systems in academic libraries in selected universities in South West, Nigeria. The study in particular, examined the different library security systems that are in use to curb theft and mutilation of library materials; the extent to which electronic security systems (ESS) are used in the academic libraries; how electronic security systems are used to discourage patrons from pilfering information resources from the library; the extent of loss of library materials through theft, mutilation and vandalism; the effectiveness of electronic security systems in curbing the menace of theft, mutilation and vandalism of library materials; and the factors influencing/motivating the use of ESS in the library. The population of the study was made up of 205 librarians and para-professional library staff, including the heads of libraries (University Librarians) and Information Technology personnel at the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Covenant University and Babcock University, in South West, Nigeria. These Universities were purposively selected for the study and a total enumeration method (census) was employed as the sampling technique. The research instruments used to elicit information from the respondents included survey questionnaires and structured interview guides. A response rate of 83.2% was recorded and use of frequency counts, percentages (%), mean ( ) and standard deviation (SD) were used to analyse the data collected. The quantitative and qualitative data obtained from the main study were coded and organised, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and thematic content analysis to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to determine the internal consistency and reliability of the items in the questionnaire. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) developed by Vankatesh, Morris, Davis, and Davis (2003) was used to underpin the study, and to investigate the factors influencing the use of ESS in academic libraries. The study also employed the post-positivist research paradigm as the theoretical lens to illuminate the research problem. The study further engaged a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods as well as the survey design. The study adhered strictly to the ethical protocols of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and permission was acquired from the relevant authorities of the Universities which were surveyed. The findings revealed that the universities in South West geopolitical region of Nigeria had implemented one form of electronic security systems or the other in their libraries. Findings further revealed how electronic security systems (ESS) are used to discourage patrons from pilfering information resources from the library. Additionally, the findings exposed the extent of loss of library materials through theft, mutilation and vandalism; the effectiveness the use of electronic security systems (ESS) in curbing the menace of theft, mutilation and vandalism of library materials; and the factors influencing/motivating the use of ESS in the library.The originality of this study lies in the fact that, extant studies carried out in Nigeria, as it relates to the security of materials in academic libraries, only investigated and recommended how library materials can be safeguarded manually (through the traditional methods); and therefore, only a few of the studies suggested the use of electronic devices to secure library materials. However, none have investigated how these modern technologies (electronic security systems) could be used to secure library materials from theft, mutilation and vandalism. Furthermore, no prior studies have employed the use of research paradigms or theory such as UTAUT to underpin their investigations. The study recommended among others, that university libraries in South-West, and Nigeria in general should enhance and encourage the maintenance of the electronic security systems (ESS) regularly; the heads of the libraries (University Librarians) should also ensure that the University Management is well educated and apprised on the importance of the use of electronic security systems (ESS) in the libraries and how adequate funds should be made available through the annual library budgets. It is also recommended that the heads of the libraries should solicit external funding to regularly upgrade the electronic security systems (ESS). The study further recommended that user education programmes should be carried out regularly. These findings are significant and have implications for policy, practice and theory in the field of library and information sciences

Issues in Girl-Child Education in Nigeria: Implications for Library and Information support

Girl-child education has become a matter of concern to stakeholders in Nigeria. This study examines the concept of and crucial issues in girl-child education. It identifies socio-cultural patterns, religious misconceptions, poverty, teenage pregnancy and early marriage amongst others as factors militating against the girl-child education. The paper advocates that public and school libraries must begin to play relevant roles and contribute to the eradication of discriminations against women. It outlines the roles public and school libraries must play in order to improve girl-child enrollment in school as well as reduce school drop-out. In order to effectively play their roles, the study suggests that libraries should source for funds from external agencies rather than depend only on their parent institutions/organization

Security Issues in Academic Libraries: The Wayout

Security of library materials has been a concern for librarians from the medieval period to the present. This study examines and evaluates security issues in academic libraries which include: theft of library materials, mutilation or vandalism of library materials by deviant patrons, etc. The f ocal point of this study is on the issues of theft and mutilation of library materials which has bedeviled academic libraries. Insensitivity to the needs of others, absence of efficient reprographic services, incessant power outage, porous security, etc, are some of the reasons why patrons steal and/or mutilate library materials. The study further examine techniques and dynamics of library crimes, the effect on users and the library itself. Finally, this study recommends modern and proactive approaches as the way out of the menace of theft and vandalism in academic libraries. These include but not limited to,facility consideration when designing a library building, security personnel, window protection and the installation of Electronic Security Systems (ESS) such as 3M security system, electronic surveillance cameras/CCTV, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) System, etc

Grey Literature Acquisition and Management: Challenges in Academic Libraries in Africa

Grey literature is better described because it is difficult to define. Grey materials are those not easily acquired through normal conventional selling channels like the bookshops. They are materials without a commercial purpose or the mediation of a commercial publisher and lacks bibliographic control (such as ISBN and ISSN) that ensures standardization. Grey materials include, but not limited to: conference proceedings, conference reports, theses, dissertations, projects, government reports, committees’ reports, news bulletins, etc. There has been increase in the academic and scholarly value placed in grey literature as an original and primary source of information. Also, the rapid increase of grey literature in virtually all subject areas is becoming a challenge and gradually giving librarians great concern. This paper therefore, examines the nature of grey literature, how grey materials are acquired, and the challenges academic libraries face in the acquisition and management of grey literature. The paper recommends that acquisition of grey materials must be demand-driven, special libraries should contribute to grey literature depositories, create more cataloguing records, and make those available more complete and accessible

Running and Maintaining an ICT-Based Library in a Developing Economy: The Covenant University Experience

Information and Communication Technology has revolutionized library and Information sen,ices delivery across the globe. The paper examines the Covenant University experience as a model to encourage libraries in developing economies that leveraging with international standards and benchmarks as well as best practices is possible. The superiority of ICT-based library over its manua

Investigating Occupational Burnout in Library Personnel

Background: This paper is an attempt to investigate occupational burnout among library personnel in University Libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria. Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion which is caused by prolonged stress. Objectives: find out if library personnel in academic libraries in Ogun State, do experience occupational burnout, Highlight the perceived causes of occupational burnout, identify the consequences of occupational burnout on the library personnel surveyed and strategies to mitigate burnout syndrome among library personnel. Methods: A descriptive survey method was adopted for the study Two hundred and thirty six copies of structured questionnaire were administered and Two hundred and twenty one (representing 93.6% response rate) were retrieved. One hypothesis was tested using Pearson correlation. Results: The causes of occupational burnout among library personnel sampled ranged from inadequate resources to work with, rigid working hours, unfavorable policies. Discussions: Drawing from the analysis carried out, there are some factors that affect the level of burnout experienced by the library personnel; these factors go a long way to affect the level of occupational burn out experienced. Conclusion: The paper concludes that the level of commitment of the library personnel could be determined by the nature of prevailing policies in the institutio

Conference/workshop attendance by librarians: Benefits, challenges, and prospects

This paper discussed the benefits, challenges, and prospects of librarians attending conferences or workshops. A sun1ey research design was adopted and a questionnaire was used for data collection. Copies of the questionnaire were administered to 64 librarians at a conference. 53 completed copies were returned and used for data analysis. The study revealed that librarians derived many benefits from conference or workshop attendance, such as it enables them to remain up-to-date, acquire new skills, network with colleagues, develop article writing and presentation skills, and so on. The challenges that librarians encountered included high cost of conference registration fees, lack of sponsorship, and unawareness. The paper concluded that conference or workshop attendance by librarians is not a matter of choice but a must if they want to remain relevant and up-to-date in the information age

Investigating Occupational Burnout in Library Personnel

Background: This paper is an attempt to investigate occupational burnout among library personnel in University Libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria. Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion which is caused by prolonged stress. Objectives: find out if library personnel in academic libraries in Ogun State, do experience occupational burnout, Highlight the perceived causes of occupational burnout, identify the consequences of occupational burnout on the library personnel surveyed and strategies to mitigate burnout syndrome among library personnel. Methods: A descriptive survey method was adopted for the study Two hundred and thirty six copies of structured questionnaire were administered and Two hundred and twenty one (representing 93.6% response rate) were retrieved. One hypothesis was tested using Pearson correlation. Results: The causes of occupational burnout among library personnel sampled ranged from inadequate resources to work with, rigid working hours, unfavorable policies. Discussions: Drawing from the analysis carried out, there are some factors that affect the level of burnout experienced by the library personnel; these factors go a long way to affect the level of occupational burn out experienced. Conclusion: The paper concludes that the level of commitment of the library personnel could be determined by the nature of prevailing policies in the institutio