PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION PRACTICES IN FOUR SELECTED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY LIBRARIES IN OYO AND KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT Theological seminary libraries are custodians of religious and theological knowledge that serve the needs of scholars, clergy and laypeople. Despite the importance and vulnerability of these collections, it has been observed that there is a lack of adequate and systematic preservation and conservation practices in theological seminary libraries. This study, therefore, examines preservation and conservation practices in two theological seminary libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised all 68 library personnel from four theological seminary colleges in Oyo state and Kwara State, Nigeria. Total enumeration method was adopted and questionnaire was the main data collection instrument. Data collected were analysed using frequency count, percentages, mean and standard deviation. The study found that the prominent preservation and conservation practices in the selected seminary libraries include: handling materials with care (x̄=4.63), involvement of all library staff in the preservation and conservation of library materials (x̄=4.56), adequacy of security measures, such as the use of barcodes, alarms, and identity verification (x̄=4.52). The major causes of deterioration are: poor book-shelving (x̄=4.54), and biological factors such as mold, pests and rodents (x̄=4.41). Regular cleaning and dusting of library materials (x̄=4.76), proper shelving (x̄=4.70), rebinding (x̄=4.63) and regular backups of electronic materials (x̄=4.35), are the main techniques used in the preservation and conservation of library materials in the selected seminary libraries. Funding constraints (x̄=3.96) was found to be the main challenge impeding adequate preservation and conservation practices. The study concluded that preservation and conservation practices in seminary libraries are crucial for safeguarding the rich theological, historical and cultural heritage contained within their collections. It was recommended that the libraries should develop and conduct regular training sessions for all library staff focusing on best practices for handling and preserving both print and non-print materials.