Librarians’ Insight on Managing and Securing Library Resources at Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS)

Abstract

This study aims to explore the security challenges faced by academic libraries at the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS) from the perspective of librarians. The study purposefully sampled nine (9) key informants who are library staff with different qualifications and levels of experience in the area. The study adopted the qualitative approach. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews, transcribed by hand, and analysed. The study participants indicated that the academic library of UBIDS experienced security challenges, which was revealed in the fact that tables, print materials, electrical sockets, internet cables, computer cables, and computer mouse were susceptible to security breaches in the academic library. To prevent the occurrence of these security challenges in the library, the librarians used classification numbers on library materials, permitted students to duplicate library materials that could not be borrowed, librarians and library security personnel patrolled, monitored, and inspected library users from time to time. This implies that the number of electrical and computer equipment should be increased to prevent overloading and overuse, which subsequently causes their damage and depletion. This research offers state-of-the-art information that helps library managers in developing nations deal with their libraries' various difficulties.