ASSESSMENT OF PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION PRACTICES IN SELECTED POLYTECHNIC LIBRARIES IN KWARA STATE

Polytechnic libraries are essential in supporting education, research, and knowledge dissemination. With evolving needs, ensuring the long-term preservation and conservation of library resources is crucial. These efforts involve various strategies to safeguard materials from deterioration due to environmental and physical factors, thereby ensuring their continuous availability for educational and research purposes. However, despite the recognized importance of preservation and conservation practices in academic libraries, there is a lack of comprehensive research on their effectiveness in polytechnic libraries. The challenges faced by these libraries in implementing such practices remain underexplored, leading to potential risks of material loss and decreased accessibility for future generations. This study, therefore, examined the assessment of preservation and conservation practices in selected polytechnic libraries in Kwara state. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Total enumeration techniques was used to cover all the fifty-eight (58) library personnel in the selected three (3) polytechnic libraries in Kwara State which are: Kwara State Polytechnic Library, Ilorin; Federal Polytechnic Library, Offa; and The Polytechnic Igbo-Owu, Ilorin. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Five research questions were answered. Data were analyzed using percentages, frequency, mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed factors contributing to the deterioration of library resources which include high acidity levels, biological factors, dust, particulate matter, rough handling, and high temperature levels. Preservation and conservation practices commonly adopted included binding, photocopying, digitization, adequate security systems, air conditioning, proper shelving for air circulation, and regular cleaning and dusting. Significant challenges hindering these efforts were insufficient funding, lack of proper training, inadequate equipment, and a shortage of technical manpower. The study recommended that polytechnic libraries be allocated adequate funding to support preservation and conservation practices. Additionally, regular and intensive training for library staff on modern preservation techniques and best practices should be prioritized to enhance their capacity to maintain library resources effectively. Keywords: Assessment, Preservation, Conservation, Polytechnic libraries, Library resources, Preservation and conservation practices