Preservation and conservation of library materials at Sayidina Abubakar SS. Butambala

Abstract

The aim of the study was to suggest the best practices for preservation and conservation for Sayidina Abubakar Secondary School, the objectives of the study were; to establish the current status of library materials at SASS; to find out how library materials are managed at SASS; to identify the challenges of preserving and conserving library materials at SASS and to propose the best practices to solve the problems of preserving and conserving library materials at SASS It used a descriptive research method of data collection and data was collected from a sample size of 36 respondents. Purposive sampling method was used to obtain data from teachers and Librarians while stratified and convenient sampling method was used to obtain data from students. Questionnaires, interviews and observations tools were also used by the study to obtain data from respondents. The results of the study revealed that most of the information materials in Sayidina Abubakar Secondary School were in a poor condition and the library also faced preservation challenges like inadequate funds, manpower issues, poor handling of information materials by the users, lack of a preservation policy, weak paper and ink and little spaces in the shelves. The study also revealed the need for a preservation policy in Sayidina Abubakar Secondary School to improve the poor conditions of information materials, to reduce the rate of deterioration of information materials and to acquire funds for preservation. The study was concluded with the following recommendations; adequate funding, review of the methods of repairing of information materials, training of library staff, adoption and implementation of the proposed policy, strict observation and respect of library rules and regulations, fumigation and regular cleaning of the library and dusting of information materials.