Mutilation of Information Resources by Patrons in Academic Libraries In Delta State

Abstract

This study investigated the mutilation of information resources by patrons in academic libraries in Delta State Nigeria using descriptive survey design. The population was 246,431 information resources which comprises academic libraries in Delta State Nigeria. The 7513 information resources in academic libraries in Delta State Nigeria were used as sample of the study and systematic sampling technique was used for the study. Personal observation check list was the instrument used for the study. The study set to ascertain the types of mutilation and the extent serial materials are mutilated. Thus, every 10 serial was selected from the shelves and observed for mutilation. Findings revealed that that there are different types of mutilation of information resources in the academic libraries of Delta State such as torn pages, bent pages, underlined or highlighted, detached book cover, and cut out pages or cover and these mutilations occurs at varying extent to a large extent in the different academic libraries surveyed. Thus, it was concluded that mutilation of these information resources has become a threat to the existence of academic libraries in Delta State and when nothing is done against it, the library will be in comatose and non-existence. Thus, workable recommendations were made.