Guidelines for preservation of information resources at ST. Henry's College Library Kitovu Masaka

Abstract

The study Was carried out to come up with guidelines for preservation of information resources for St. Henry's College kitovu. The objectives of the study were; to find out the necessity for Preservation of Information resources. To find out the methods for preservation of information resources, to identify challenges to effective preservation of information resources. to establish measures for effective preservation of information resources and to design guidelines for preservation of information resources in SHACK library. A case study research design was used and a sample size of 35 respondents was used consisting of 25 students. 8 teachers and 2 librarians. Data was collected using interviews and observation methods and it was qualitatively analyzed. Major findings revealed that SHACK Library does not have guidelines for preservation of information resources to guide their staff on management of information resources. It was noted that information resources are prone to various deterioration but they are majorly caused by human factors both librarians (Bad shelving by the library staff and library users (students and lectures). The factors that hinder proper preservation of the information resources in SHACK library is lack of preservation guidelines as the major challenge though other preservation challenges include, Inadequate funding for preservation, harsh environment conditions and lack of competent manpower Most common preservation method used were photocopying and binding while others like lamination,microfilming and installation of air conditioners were rarely used. The researcher recommends that the designed preservation guidelines in chapter five should be put in place and followed if proper preservation of information resources is to be achieved in the St. Henry's College Kitovu Library. Also the researcher recommends the following: reserve of copies of vital information resources, fumigation of cockroaches, employing of information resource preservation librarians, review of the methods of repairing information resources, training of library staff, ensuring good ventilation and adequate funding.

Basing on the study findings and recommendations, it was concluded that if SHACK library adopts and adheres with these proposed preservation guidelines in chapter five, SHACK Library will reduce the resources spent on repairing damaged information resources, it will improve the conditions of information resources through proper handling, care and preventive measures and it will help to overcome the preservation challenges.