Perceptions and Attitude of Students in Relation to Vandalism in University Libraries in South-South Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted in December 2010 to find out students perception and attitude toward vandalism in the library. To gather the required information, a questionnaire was distributed to 1400 randomly selected students of university libraries in the South-South zone of Nigeria out of which 718 responded. Results of their responses revealed that vandalism of library materials in the form of theft, mutilation and hiding of books and journals, is largely regarded as a form of academic survival, this makes student to put up “I Don’t care” attitude to library materials. The major causes of vandalism of library materials include limited library collections; restrictions in the use of some materials; number and duration of loans; insufficient number of copies of recommended textbooks; unaffordable cost of personal textbooks; high cost of photocopying as well as peer-influence. Amongst others, researchers recommend the following: training and retraining programme for users, extension of loan period; adequate funding; robust security measures and punishment of offenders.