Abstract:
This research looked at Conservation of Library resources in three selected special libraries in Lagos State. Titled conservation of library resources questionnaire (CLRQ) to guide the study and survey design was used. Six research questions were drawn containing of forty–nine (49) options was constructed and administered to a population of fifty staff of the libraries that are involved in conservation methods of the libraries. Fifty (50) copies of the questionnaire were filled, returned correctly and used for this study. The researcher used frequency – count and percentage to analyze the data. The result of the study showed that the conservation methods of the libraries were mainly cleaning, dusting of library materials, installation of air conditioners in the libraries and that the libraries have binding units, regular fumigation of the library materials, proper shelving of the books and photocopying machines. The result also showed that the conservation method was less extent which means that enough attention is not given to conservation methods. The study revealed that few resources were employed for conservation of the libraries resources among which are photocopying machine, good housekeeping mainly and that they lack trained conservators and equipments for digitalisation generally. Some of the problems identified as limiting their conservation programmes include lack of conservation policies, inadequate funding, low level of awareness of importance of conservation among information professionals and others. However, some strategies for enhancing the conservation of library resources were identified to include training of personnel, regular fumigation, adequate funding, education of library users, enacting conservation policy and others. Based on the findings the study recommended strategies to enhance the conservation of library resources among which are the formulation and implementation of the conservation policy, education of the library users and training of the library staff to enhance their performance.
