Library security, materials theft and mutilation in technological university libraries in Nigeria Available to Purchase

Librarians across the world are increasingly concerned with the safety and physical integrity of valuable intellectual properties. The scenario in developing countries is exacerbated by economic difficulties. A survey of the problem in the Nigerian universities of technology revealed that in common with their traditional counterparts, they are not immune from theft and mutilation. Reference and periodical materials are the most likely materials that will be mutilated. Librarians could neither curb nor stem the problem. All of the libraries still rely solely on manual checks carried out by unskilled personnel at the library entrance and exit. The high cost of photocopying and frequent breakdown of copiers were the causes of library material theft and mutilation. Only 14 per cent of the respondents indicated greediness. There is a compelling need for the Committee of the University Librarians of Nigerian Universities (CULNU) to address the problem and put in place measures that would effectively monitor this crime, or else the Nigerian university libraries will soon be empty.