CHALLENGES IN THE PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF INFORMATION RESOURCES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARY: A CASE STUDY IN ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY AKUNGBA-AKOKO, ONDO STATE.

Academic libraries are pivotal in supporting teaching, learning, and research in higher learning environments through the provision of diverse information resources. However, these resources are susceptible to deterioration as a result of environmental factors, inadequate handling, and insufficient preservation measures. This study examined the preservation and conservation of information resources in the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA) E-Library, focusing on techniques employed, challenges faced, institutional policies, and resource management strategies. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, and 180 library users were selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-designed instrument titled Preservation and Conservation of Information Resources Scale (PCIRS), validated by experts; the reliability test showed 0.79 Cronbach's alpha. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores were used to answer the research questions, while Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and multiple regression analysis were applied to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that although the AAUA academic library employs basic preservation techniques, including digitisation, routine data backup, and environmental control measures (X̅ = 2.77), significant challenges hinder effective resource sustainability (X̅ = 3.11). These challenges include unstable power supply (X̅ = 3.20), inadequate funding (X̅ = 3.04), insufficient staff training (X̅ = 3.09), and weak institutional support (X̅ = 3.08). Results further indicated that conservation challenges significantly negatively influenced the accessibility and quality of resources (β = 0.48, t = 8.86, p < .05), institutional policies and support had no significant effect (β = -0.03, t = -0.52, p > .05). However, resource management strategies significantly positively influenced quality and accessibility (β = 0.180, t = 2.88, p < .05). The regression model jointly significantly influenced quality and accessibility of e-learning [F(3,176) = 44.22, R² = 0.23, p < .05], with a variance of 23% (R2 = 0.23). The study concluded that there is a significant influence of preservation and conservation challenges on the AAUA academic library. The study recommended strengthening policy frameworks, increasing funding, training library staff, adopting advanced technologies, and implementing user education programmes to ensure long-term preservation and accessibility of information.