ASSESSING THE ROLE OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT SKILLS IN SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION RESOURCES IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN RIVERS STATE

Universities, globally recognized as centers of academic excellence, rely heavily on their libraries to support teaching, learning, and research activities. A key function of university libraries, whether public or private, is the management and dissemination of information resources that facilitate academic and administrative activities. These libraries not only provide physical and electronic access to books, journals, and other academic materials but also serve as repositories of recorded information that directly support the curriculum and research endeavors of faculty and students. The role of records management in university libraries cannot be overstated, as it ensures that valuable academic materials are efficiently organized, preserved, and accessible to users. The preservation and effective management of records are vital to maintaining the integrity of an institution's information systems. This study examines the impact of records management skills on the preservation of information resources in public university libraries in Rivers State, Nigeria. It highlights the significance of professional records management in safeguarding academic resources, ensuring that universities continue to meet the educational needs of their students and staff. The findings underscore the importance of properly trained staff in handling records, as well as the need for advanced records management strategies to enhance resource accessibility and longevity. Ultimately, this research provides insights into the critical role of effective records management in supporting academic institutions' missions and improving the quality of education.