Human Factors Affecting the Preservation of Serial Materials: A Case Study of Federal University Libraries in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Rationale of Study – This study examined the human factors that affected the  preservation of serial materials in federal university libraries in north-central  Nigeria. The objective was to analyse human factors influencing the preservation  of serial collections in federal university libraries.   
Methodology – The study used a descriptive research design. The population was  250 librarians, while 196 was used as the sample. A self-created open-ended  questionnaire collected responses from librarians and library officers at federal  university libraries in north-central Nigeria.  
Findings – The study revealed that human factors, such as theft and vandalism,  natural disasters, and rough treatment of serial items, impact the preservation of  these resources. The libraries use various preservation techniques, including dust  removal, laminating, shelf care, repairing faded inks, binding, and photocopying.  The statistically significant influence of human variables on preserving serial  materials in federal university libraries in central Nigeria was also made clear.  Librarians in these libraries had implemented some preservation strategies due to  the deteriorating nature of serial material and the associated effects of human  factors.  
Implications – It was suggested, among other things, that university library  management regularly teach library employees to incorporate more preservation  techniques for serial items, like bleaching and pesticide use, microfilming, de acidification, and digitisation. 
Originality – This paper publishes the results of an original study on the human  factors which affect the preservation of serials in federal libraries in Nigeria.