The Effectiveness of Library Measures Against Theft and Mutilation

Abstract

This article reports on a questionnaire-based survey designed to ascertain and compare the students' and librarians' opinions about thirteen library measures against theft and mutilation using the three tertiary institutions in llorin, the headquarters of Kwara State in Nigeria, as case studies.

Results indicate that the measures were judged almost equally effective and that the students and the librarians did not differ significantly in their opinions about ten of the thirteen measures.

It was concluded that (1) any diversification of library security measures should be based on considerations of cost-effectiveness and (2) that working closely with students and other user groups to produce acceptable security measures could help reduce theft and mutilation.

Key Words:

• Library materials
• theft and mutilation
• Nigeria