Theft and Mutilation of Library Materials: A Case Study of Bingham University Library Karu, Nasarawa State.

Abstract

The paper examines Theft and Mutilation of Library Materials in Bingham University Library Karu, Nasarawa state. The aim of the study is to identify the cause of book theft and mutilation in university libraries, and to proffer solutions. A Survey research method was employed. Questionnaire is the main Instrument for data collection. 25 questionnaires were distributed but 24 were returned and found to be useful, the questionnaires were administered to the respondent through the help of library assistant in the various faculty libraries, data were analyzed using frequency and percentage using bar chart to represent the data collected. The findings revealed that most of the offenders are students who use various method to perfect these acts. It was also discovered that such stolen materials were concealed in clothes or bags. Mutilation of materials occurred in the form of tearing pages of text materials, writing on pages of books and smuggling through the windows. It was revealed that theft and mutilation were encourage by lack of security system, The paper recommends that the university library through its management should provide adequate library materials to meet the information needs of users, stiffer penalties should be well spelt out for dishonest users associated with theft and mutilation, Orientation on how to effectively use library services should be organized regularly for all library users. The library security personnel should be placed in strategic positions in the library so that strict compliance to the library rules and regulation would be ensured among the library users. Suspension of defaulting user from the library use for a whole session will help control theft and mutilation, Closed circuit Television (CCTV) system should be provided in all sections of the library so as to minimize the menace of book theft and mutilation. Management should as a matter of urgency provide fund from the library budget in other to ensure adequate provision of library materials.