Guidelines for conservation and preservation of information materials in Victoria University Library, Kampala

Abstract

The study was about developing guidelines for preservation and conservation for information materials at Victoria University Library with the objectives to identify the types of library materials at Victoria University Library, to identify the methods used in preserving information materials at Victoria University, to identify the causes and agents of deterioration of information resources, to identify the barriers to effective preservation of information resources in the academic libraries and to suggests possible strategies for improving the preservation and conservation of information resources in Victoria University Library. it used a descriptive research method of data collection and data was collected from a sample size of 269 respondents. The purposive sampling method was used to obtain data from teachers and librarians were stratified and the convenient sampling method was used to obtain data from students. questionnaires, interviews, and observation 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 Victoria University library 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 preservation policy, weak paper and ink and little spaces in the shelves the study 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