Preservation manual for Jinja Public Library

Abstract

The study aimed at developing a preservation manual for Jinja public library. the objectives of the study were to; identify the different types of information materials kept at JPL, to examine the preservation practices used at JPL to preserve information materials, examine the causes and agents of deterioration, find out the challenges faced by librarians during preservation of information materials at JPL and develop preservation manual to improve preservation of information materials in Jinja public library. The study used a case study research design while adopting a qualitative research approach in order to examine the problem in depth with in a limited time scale. The researcher preferred a purposive sampling method to select the respondents in the study; interviews and observations methods of data collection were used to gather information for the study. The study established that Jinja public library uses different preservation practices to safeguard information materials from damage and deterioration which included; dusting of book materials, regular, cleaning of shelves and library building, use of library rules, regulation and user education talks to control bad handling, mutilation and theft of information materials, repair and binding of information materials, fumigation and use of enclosures such as storage closed boxes, cabinets and drawers to protect information materials from direct sunlight, heat, dust and water. The research findings also showed that information materials are faced with a number of threats and agents that lead to their deterioration and damage such as biological agents like insects, rats, termites, poor shelving, poor ventilation system of the building, water damage, air pollution, temperature and humidity, dirty and dust, abuse and bad handling by users. The library staff at Jinja public library face various challenges during preservation of these information materials such as under staffing, dust, lack of skilled preservationists, shortage of storage space and facilities, lack of preservation manual, shortage of finances, mutilation and theft and poor adoption and compliance of ICTs in the library. The study lapsed that developing preservation manual for Jinja public library would offer much support and guidance to the staff to effectively preserve the information materials at JPL. The recommendations were; maximum care and monitoring of information materials, securing reliable funds for preservation of information materials, devising a preservation committee, sensitizing and training of staff, use of good quality storage facilities and quality paper materials for paper-based materials, regular monitoring and follow up of designed plans and use of materials among others.