METHODS OF PRESERVING AND PROMOTING CULTURAL HERITAGE RESOURCES BY LIBRARIANS IN KENNETH DIKE E-LIBRARY, AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage resources in Kenneth Dike state central e-library, Awka. A survey research design was adopted for the study and the population consists of 51 respondents which consisted of 15 librarians and 36 non-librarians. Observation checklist and questionnaire were the instrument used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages and mean scores were used in analyzing the data collected. From the data analysis, it was gathered that there are various cultural heritage resources available in the Kenneth-Dike state central e-library, and there are few available methods of preserving cultural heritage resources in the library. The study showed that, inadequate funding, absence of preservation policies, ignorance of the importance of cultural heritage resources and low level of awareness of the existing cultural heritage resources are the major problems militating against effective preservation and documentation of cultural heritage resources. It was recommended that the library should create awareness of cultural heritage resources through organizing heritage walk and heritage awards events. There is a need for inclusion of diverse cultural heritage resources of other tribes in the library. The challenges militating against effective preservation and promotion of cultural heritage resources in public libraries should be given utmost attention by the government and other stakeholders of these public libraries.