Adoption of preservation and conservation practice in academic libraries in Nigeria Ilori Maria Edeole1,*, Owolabi Ruth Onajite2,**, Oluwafemi Segun Victor3,*** 1Lecturer, Library and Information Science, College of Humanity Science, Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Otto/Ijanikin, Lagos State, Nigeria lagos state university of education epe campus pmb 1028 epe lagos state, Nigeria 2Lecturer, Information Resources Management, College of Management Science, Babcock University, Ilisan_Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria 3Library and Information Science, College of Humanity Science, Lagos State University of Education, Otto/Ijanikin, Lagos State, Nigeria *Corresponding author Email id: Ilorime@lasued.edu.ng
**owolabir@babcock.edu.ng
***oluwafemisv@lasued.edu.ng
Online published on 22 December, 2023. Abstract This paper explores potential preservation and conservation practices that can be implemented in academic libraries in Nigeria. It highlights preservation as a vital procedure for strategically extending the lifespan of information resources within the library. Academic libraries are tasked with maintenance functions aimed at careing for and protecting information resources from, encompassing educational function, protective, preservative, social, economic and health-related functions. Conservation involves the process of preserving library materials by maintaining their physical structure to prolong the original format of information resources. It consists of components such as preventive measures, passive conservation methods, active conservation strategies, and the restoration process. The paper also investigates the causes of information resource deterioration, including both internal factors and external agents. In light of these findings, the paper recommends that library staff establish and adhere to daily routines and prevent materials from deteriorating due to dust accumulation, Furthermore, it suggests that both staff and library users refrain from bringing food into the library to prevent insects and rodents from damaging and destroying information resources. Additionally, it advocates for the implementation of library management make policies that support regular preservation and conservation practice in accordance with industry best practices. Top Keywords Adoption, Preservation, Conservation, Practice, Academic Libraries, Information Resources, Nigeria. Top |