Digital Preservation and Conservation of Library Resources in University Libraries in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The paper examined digital preservation and conservation of library resources in university libraries in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The paper looked at the different types of library resources available in the university libraries which can be preserved and conserved digitally and the need for digital preservation and conservation in the university library. It also highlights on the challenges of digital preservation and conservation of library resources as it affects the university libraries and the country at large and outline the strategies that could be used by university libraries to preserve and conserved this library resources. Four (4) research questions guided the study. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The total (sample) population for the study was one hundred and fifty-eight (158) library staff from three universities, FULafia, Nasarawa State University (NSUK) and Bingham University. Instrument for data collection include questionnaire and observation check list. Data was analyzed using frequency and percentage. It was concluded that, since library resources in the university libraries comprises of both electronic and print resources, and peculiarities abounds, it will suggest that university libraries should develop strategies that will include digital preservation and conservation of the resources in their libraries. It was also concluded that the major challenge of effective digital preservation and conservation in university libraries are lack of adequate policy, finance, lack of experience man-power, lack of infrastructure, environmental factor and un-experience library managers. It was recommended that university libraries should as a matter of urgency commence the digitalization and conservation of library resources. There should be a synergy among university libraries on matters of digitalization and preservation of library resources. Adequate policy should be put in place, finance should be made available for the purchase and installation of digital preservation device for the library and librarians with vast experience should be employed and trained on the preservation process.