SECURITY MANAGEMENT OF THEFT AND MUTILATION OF INFORMATION RESOURCES IN KASHIM IBRAHIM LIBRARY, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA.

This study examines the “security management of theft and mutilation of information resources in Kashim Ibrahim Library, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.” Nigeria. It identifies the security management and measures or strategies applied against theft and mutilation, the causes of theft and mutilation of information resources in the University library and how it prevents these information resources in the library from been stolen and mutilated, it also identified problems of managing theft and mutilation in the library. The research method used in this project study is survey research method. In a survey method, questionnaires are the main instrument for data collection. Frequency tables and percentages are the main tools used for data analysis. Results of the analysis showed that the university library resources are stolen and mutilated due to selfishness on the part of the users. It was also discovered that the main method adopted for stealing and mutilating information resources is: tearing of page(s) off. Library staff at exit and institution’s (A.B.U) security personnel at entrance is the main strategy to combat theft and mutilation in the library. Recommendations were proffered to curb theft and mutilation in the library, some of the recommendations are: Stiff penalties should be well spelt out for dishonest users associated with theft and mutilation of library information resources in Kashim Ibrahim Library, using electronic information resources in the library, especially for high-demand, latest-edition texts: theft will be reduced by transferring a ‘high risk’ physical item into an electronic version that cannot be illegally removed from the premises. The study also recommends that the university management should employ more male and female staff to ensure that a thorough search takes place for both male and female students at the exit of the library at rush hours.