Abstract

Author(s): Idakwo

The ability of the library to meet the needs of its teeming users is greatly dependent on the availability of information resources. Theft and mutilation are serious factors that hamper not just availability but usability of information resources. This paper discussed some of the causes of theft and mutilation to include high cost of books, lack of photocopying machine, lack of electronic security measures, and lack of proper monitoring of students, porous library security system, and unavailability of online databases among others. This study also revealed that theft and mutilation of information resources has lots of negative impact on the entire collection and services of academic libraries in Nigeria. The following were suggested to improve on ways to curb the menace of theft and mutilation of resources in Nigerian libraries: Strategic positioning of the security officer in the library so that strict compliance to the library rules and regulations would be ensured among the library users; Male and female security staff should be employed to ensure that a thorough search takes place for both male and female students at the exit of the library; Closed circuit television (CCTV) system should be deployed to the library as the major system of securing the library collection and should be closely monitored by a security minded staff so as to minimize the menace of information resources theft and mutilation among others.