Human, conceptual and technical skills as determinants of preservation management in university libraries in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose – Preservation is an essential component of library management that requires special skills and

competencies. This critical area seems to have been neglected by management of university libraries in

Nigeria. This paper aims to examine threats to library information resources and contributions of skills of

library personnel to preservation management in university libraries.

Design/methodology/approach – Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. This facilitated

the collection of data from large population of respondents. Questionnaire and focus group discussion were

used as data collection instruments.

Findings – Preservation management is one of the core areas of library practice that requires special skills.

The study revealed that university libraries in Nigeria are confronted with threats to their information

resources. The study found that human, conceptual and technical skills of library personnel significantly

determine preservation management in university libraries in Southern Nigeria.

Practical implications – The paper will allow the management of university libraries to appreciate the

importance of personnel skills as the key factor for effective preservation management in libraries and accord

it the necessary priority.

Originality/value – While literature is replete with different aspects of preservation management in

university libraries in Africa, little has been written on personnel skills and preservation management in

libraries. The paper presents one of the few empirical studies that focus on the relationship between personnel

skills and preservation management in university libraries in Nigeria and Africa.