Security Challenges And Coping Strategies Of University Libraries For Effective Service Delivery In Enugu State

Security Challenges And Coping Strategies Of University Libraries For Effective Service Delivery In Enugu State
Abstract
This study was carried out on security challenges and coping strategies of university libraries for effective service delivery in Enugu state using University of Nsukka as a case study. To achieve this, seven significant research objectives were formulated. The survey design was adopted and the simple random sampling techniques were employed in this study. The population size comprises of library staff in University of Nsukka, Enugu State. In determining the sample size, the researcher conveniently selected 41respondents while 38 were received and 35 were validated. Self-constructed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected and validated questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables and mean scores. The result of the findings reveals that the security challenges hindering effective service delivery in university libraries in Enugu include; book theft, book mutilation, keeping overdue books, using fake i.d card to borrow books, and mis-shelving of books. The findings also revealed that the types of security apparatus adopted by university libraries in Enugu for supporting service delivery comprises of close circuit television (CCTV), AV security, surveillance Cameras, radio frequency identification (RFID) system, panic alarms, perimeter alarm system, door intrusion alarms, and EM security Tags.. In regard to the findings, the study recommends that competent security personnel should be made available to man the entrances/exit of the library. This is to help protect the valuable library heritage from being stolen and vandalized by delinquent library users and staff.
Chapter One
Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Security of library resources is very paramount in the provision of efficient library service delivery. Where there is insecurity of library collections, the resources are exposed to dangers such as theft, mutilation, and vandalism among others. These can have adverse negative effect on library service delivery. Ani (2010) looks at “security” as the condition of being protected physically, emotionally, psychologically as well as from other harms, attacks, terror which could be considered as non-desirable. Edem (2010) defines security as assurance of the future wellbeing and freedom from threat. Security therefore refers to a process designed to protect something or somebody against danger. It is an act of preventing crime. In the case of library resources, it prevents un-authorized removal or loss of materials, usually as a result of intruders’ or thieves’ interference (Ajegbomogun, 2004). In reality, research, teaching and learning cannot take place in a university where library collections and resources are not only inadequate, but the limited ones are pilfered, stolen, destroyed, or mishandled by students, staff and other users.
There are research findings that show that libraries are being exposed to environmental disasters, careless handling of collections, absence of security programmes and policies for library management and administration, loss of library resources to theft and other criminal behaviours. Ajegbomogun, (2004) and Akinfolarin (1992) equally report that in Egypt a certain library collection had to be kept under lock and key to prevent theft. Similarly, Terfarra (1996) cited cases of Middle-Eastern and European countries that chain-locked their collected works to prevent theft and vandalism. Yet, most school authorities in Nigeria seem not to recognize the threat of security problems to the life of library collections. Although, this is no longer obtainable in some Nigerian libraries as several security measures such as detective barcode machines; close circuit television (CCTV), 3M electronic security systems, and a workable security policy for the university libraries are put in place to check theft and vandalism. This is more so that chaining or putting the materials under lock and key may likely prevent user’s easy access to these resources.
Security is an important and complex challenge in contemporary societies. Not only do individuals require security and safety of their lives and properties, but also university libraries in particular, strive to provide information resources in both print and non-print materials to support the educational services of the university community and humanity at large. From documented evidences, every day there are reports of loss, theft, fraud and vandalism of library resources by users, hence the need for university libraries to provide, maintain and secure its collection in order to ensure the availability, accessibility of its collections, as well as to provide effective services to its users. This study, therefore, investigate security challenges and coping strategies of university libraries for effective service delivery in Enugu, State.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The importance of information resources cannot be overemphasized as users depend on library resources for knowledge and new ideas to enhance intellectual development (Ajegbomogun, 2004). As a result, university libraries face varying degrees of delinquency in the use of their resources. The extent of this security problem varies from one university library to another. Mishandling, vandalism of the facilities such as CD ROM, DVD, and magnetic tape can easily crack when it’s not handled with care or falls on the ground. The CD ROM, DVD, may damage and information on it can loss. Accessibility of the information services cannot be possible as a result of data loss by mishandling of CD ROM, DVD, magnetic tape among others. Theft of books, journals, CD ROM, microfilm, computers and other library collections, diminish materials in the library. These crimes, which are committed by some users, have deprived many users from fully achieving their information needs as it has led to loss of many valuable materials in university libraries (Ani, 2010). Hence the need for measures to be taken to protect and preserve them to avoid complete loss of materials in university libraries. This study therefore is aimed at investigating security challenges and coping strategies of university libraries for effective service delivery in Enugu.
1.3 Objective of the Study
The study aims at investigating security challenges and coping strategies of university libraries for effective service delivery in Enugu.
Specifically, the study seeks to:
- Identify the security challenges hindering effective service delivery in university libraries in Enugu.
- Determine the types of security apparatus adopted by university libraries in Enugu for supporting service delivery.
- Find out the challenges associated with the implementation of library security for effective service delivery in university libraries in Enugu.
- Identify the strategies to enhance the implementation of library security for effective service delivery in university libraries in Enugu.
1.4 Research Question
The study will be guided by the following questions;
- What are the security challenges hindering effective service delivery in university libraries in Enugu?
- What are the types of security apparatus adopted by university libraries in Enugu for supporting service delivery?
- What are the challenges associated with the implementation of library security for effective service delivery in university libraries in Enugu?
- What are the strategies to enhance the implementation of library security for effective service delivery in university libraries in Enugu?
1.5 Significance of Study
The significance of this study is based on the need to improve the security management for prevention of book theft of the library, especially as it relates to the research as well as to re-examine the roles of the university library so as to achieve the stated objectives. Hence, the study becomes valuable as its findings if used will help to rendering solutions to the problems of security and crime management for prevention of incessant book thefts, University libraries are not always safe and secure places and they are facing a wide variety of security concerns which includes the theft and mutilation of library materials. The results of a number of library studies reported that most libraries in Enugu State are having problem with security management for prevention of library information resources.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The study aims at investigating security challenges and coping strategies of university libraries for effective service delivery in Enugu. The study will further identify the security challenges hindering effective service delivery in university libraries in Enugu, determine the types of security apparatus adopted by Federal University, Enugu Library for supporting service delivery, find out the challenges associated with the implementation of library security for effective service delivery in university libraries in Enugu, and identify the strategies to enhance the implementation of library security for effective service delivery in university libraries in Enugu. The respondents for this study will be obtained from librarians in University of Nsukka, Enugu State.
1.7 Limitation of the Study
Like in every human endeavour, the researcher encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. More so, the researcher simultaneously engaged in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Comparative:
Observation of the similarities or dissimilarities between two or more branches of science or subjects of study.
Security:
Protection of a person, building, organization, or country against threats such as crime or attacks by foreign countries.
Crime:
A crime is an act committed to omitted, in violation of a public law, either forbidding or commanding it, a breach or violation of some public right or duty due to a whole community, considered as a community.
Prevention:
The act of stopping something from happening or of stopping someone from doing something.
Challenges:
(The situation of being faced with) something that needs great metal or physical effort in order to be done successfully and therefore tests a person’s ability.
Academic Library:
An academic library is a library that is attached to a higher education institution which serves two complementary purposes to support the school’s curriculum, and to support the research of the university faculty and students.
Chapter Five
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations:
5.1 Introduction
This chapter summarizes the findings on security challenges and coping strategies of university libraries for effective service delivery in Enugu state using University of Nsukka as a case study. The chapter consists of summary of the study, conclusions, and recommendations.
5.2 Summary of the Study
In this study, our focus was on security challenges and coping strategies of university libraries for effective service delivery in Enugu state using University of Nsukka as a case study. The study is was specifically carried out to identify the security challenges hindering effective service delivery in university libraries in Enugu, determine the types of security apparatus adopted by Federal University, Enugu Library for supporting service delivery, find out the challenges associated with the implementation of library security for effective service delivery in university libraries in Enugu, and identify the strategies to enhance the implementation of library security for effective service delivery in university libraries in Enugu.
The study adopted the survey research design and randomly enrolled participants in the study. A total of 35 responses were validated from the enrolled participants where all respondent are library staff in University of Nsukka, Enugu State.
5.3 Conclusions
Based on the findings of this study, the researcher concluded that;
- The security challenges hindering effective service delivery in university libraries in Enugu include; book theft, book mutilation, keeping overdue books, using fake i.d card to borrow books, and mis-shelving of books.
- The types of security apparatus adopted by university libraries in Enugu for supporting service delivery comprises of close circuit television (CCTV), AV security, surveillance Cameras, radio frequency identification (RFID) system, panic alarms, perimeter alarm system, door intrusion alarms, and EM security Tags.
- The challenges associated with the implementation of library security for effective service delivery in university libraries in Enugu are poor budgeting /inadequate funding of the library, inadequate staff/personnel, sabotage of library security by members of staff, poor lighting in important areas of the library, epileptic/erratic power supply to implement electronic security, and problem of choosing the right technological solution.
- The strategies to enhance the implementation of library security for effective service delivery in university libraries in Enugu include; Improve funding of University Libraries, Employ more staff in the library, There should be stand by generator in the library, There should be security policy for the library, library should ensure the implementation of security policy, library staff should stop conspiracy with users to steal materials in library, continuous security patrol by security officers for 24hours, use of security personnel at the main entrance/exit, digitization of rare library materials, stamping of library materials with ownership stamps, and checking in and out of the library users.
5.4 Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are proffered.
- The government alongside the school authorities should furnish libraries with sufficient volumes of quality, knowledge-enhancing and sought-after materials for students to access at all time; electronic security system like Close Circuit Television (CCTV) should be installed in academic libraries and users should be thoroughly searched before entering and leaving the premises.
- Competent security personnel should be made available to man the entrances/exit of the library. This is to help protect the valuable library heritage from being stolen and vandalized by delinquent library users and staff.
- Where there is a limited fund to provide for sophisticated security gadgets such as the close circuit television (CCTV) and other electronic security systems, alternative provisions such as frequent patrol of the reading areas, etc. should be made to enhance the security system of the library.
- As the university libraries serve as the memory of the institutions and the nation, there is the need for government, at the federal level to come to the aid of libraries through special intervention. The Federal Government can help in the provision and installation of electronic security systems in the libraries to further boost the security system.
- Adequate funds should be made available to the university libraries by the institution to provide for effective security system and facilities to safeguard the library resources, as well as the users’ property.
- The university libraries need to develop workable security policy, which should be made available to staff and fully implemented for effective library security management.
- The general security of the library should be seen by all the staff as a collective responsibility. The security of the library should not be left alone to an individual or management. This will make the staff to be security conscious at all times.
- In order to tackle the problem of erratic and epileptic power supply that hampers the operation of electronic security system, university libraries should make provisions for alternative source of power generation, which is not dependent on the national power supply.


The Complete Material Will Be Sent to You in Just 2 Steps
Quick & Simple…
![]()
Make Payment (Through Transfer) of ₦5,000 to the Account Below
![]() | Acc No: 0811003731 |
| Samphina Academy | |
| Current Account |
Or CLICK HERE To Pay With Debit Card
| FOR STUDENTS OUTSIDE NIGERIA | |
| CLICK HERE To Pay With Card ($15) | |
| FOR GHANA STUDENTS (GHS 100) | |
![]() | MTN MoMo |
| 0553978005 | |
| Douglas Osabutey | |
![]()
Send the Following Details on WhatsApp ( 07062590260 ) After Payment
- Payment Details
- TOPIC: Security Challenges And Coping Strategies Of University Libraries For Effective Service Delivery In Enugu State
The Complete Material Will Be Sent To You On WhatsApp After Receiving Your Details
T & C Apply
Students Review
List of Related Works
Coping Strategies And Side Effects Of Occupational Stressors Among Nurses At Esut-Th Parklane
Assessment Of Coping Strategies Of Small Scale Businesses In Post-Lockdown Era In Benue State
Perception Of Poverty By Women And Men And Their Coping Strategies
Analysis Of Poverty Determinant And Coping Strategies Among Rural Farming Households
Anxiety Disorders And Coping Strategies Among Secondary School Students In Molete, Ibadan
Assessment Of Stress Coping Strategies Among Nursing Students In Madonna University
A Sociological Analysis Of Coping Strategies Of Samaru Residents On Poor Water Supply
Menopause And Practice Of Menopausal Coping Strategies
Coping Strategies Of Unemployed Post-Secondary School Holders
Livelihood, Living Condition And Coping Strategies Among Older Persons
Stress Coping Strategies Among Student Nurses
Influence Of Security Challenges On Secondary School Students Academic Performance In Biology
Security Challenges And Its Implication For Business Activities In Kaduna State
Prospects And Challenges Of Inter-Agency Collaboration In The Nigerian Security Sector
An Assessment Of The Role Of Vigilante Group In Curbing Crime In Lokoja, Kogi State, (2016–2023)
Assessing The Impact Of Kidnapping On Peace And Security In Kaduna State
Economic Crimes And Security Challenges: Prospects And Challenges For Nigeria
Library Resources And Security Challenges
Unemployment And Security Challenges In Africa
A Study Of The Impact Of The Digital Age On International Security
Security Assessment And Improvement Of The University’s Online Examination System
Security Challenges And Economy Of The Nigerian State
Niger-Delta Crises And Its Effects On Peace Building In Nigeria; 2007–2024 In Perspective
Effect Of Management Information System In The Service Delivery (A Case Study Of University Of Uyo)
Managing Quality Service Delivery In The Banking Sector (A Case Study Of First Bank In Nigeria)
Analysing Secretarial Roles In Building And Sustaining Human Relationship In Auchi Polytechnic
Assessing The Impact Of Information Management System For Healthcare Service Provision
Total Quality Management And Service Delivery Of Small Audit Firms
Effect Of E-Governance On Service Delivery Of Joint And Matriculation Board, 2019-2024
ICT Skills And Competencies Of Junior Secondary School Teachers For Effective Service Delivery
Staff Discipline And Service Delivery In Jos North Local Government Council Of Plateau State
The Effect Of Computerization On Service Delivery
Local Government And Service Delivery In Nigeria
Influence Of Advertisement Revenue On Programmes And Services Delivery


