Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
The study investigated the use of ICT for security and theft prevention in two university libraries in Nigeria. Population of the study is made up of 80 library staff of the two universities, 40 library staff from Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina and 40 library staff from Al-Qalam University Katsina. Five research questions guided the study. The data was analyzed with the use of simple statistical tools like frequencies and percentages. Findings of the study revealed that maximum security in the libraries will prevent theft mutilation. It also revealed that a video surveillance system working in conjunction with a barcode and magnetic book control system could help prevent book theft and monitor the move of books and other resources as it moves from one user to another. Lack of literate or skilled personnel: libraries and information Centre’s lack skilled personnel that can operate, teach and instruct the use of these telecommunication security systems even when they are made available in the library. Poor power supply: These telecommunication security systems or devices need electricity to power them and due to the poor power supply, these systems often time are not working and as such are incapable of performing their expected task of securing the library and its collection. Hardware and software failure: This is major threat to the use of telecommunication security system in the library. When there is software failure or hardware breakdown that may require the need for an engineer who may not be available to put them in place as at when due, then the library system and its collections is at risk. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the librarian and information experts should take out time to educate their parent organization on the benefits associated with libraries and information Centre’s in the use of telecommunication security systems and devices so that the library parent body can release adequate fund which will be used for the purchase of telecommunication security devices in the library