THEFT AND VANDALISM OF INFORMATION RESOURCES IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN IMO STATE.

ABSTRACT The study examined theft and vandalism of information resources in public universities libraries in Imo State. Four objectives and five research questions were stated for the study was case study research design. The population of the study comprised 134 library staff from IMSU, FUTO and Alvan in Imo State. A validated questionnaire on theft and vandalism of information resources in the public university library questionnaire (TVIRPULQ) developed by the researcher was used to collect data for the study. Mean value analysis descriptive statistics such as strongly agreed were used to analyze the data. The following findings were made that textbooks, journals, dictionary, magazines, CD-Roms computers, printer/photocopies, encyclopedias and newspapers are the types of information resources affected by theft and vandalism in public universities library, that reasons for theft and vandalism in public universities are inadequate photocopying services, scarcity of needed materials, shortage of staff, poor security systems, lack of proper supervision, curiosity to build personal collection are the effects of theft and vandalism of the information resources in public universities library. The following recommendations were made that that library should make adequate provision of photocopying services, provision of adequate security in the library, provision of adequate rules and regulations, digitalization of information resources, conducting a random check upon exist, instillation of CCTV cameras to monitor premises and teaching library users about library policies and the value of resources theft and vandalism can be curb in public university library.