Information Managers: ISSN: 2735-9239 A Journal of Nigerian Library Association Rivers State Chapter, Vol. 7, Issue 1, 2024 Preservation and Conservation of Library Resources in University Libraries in Akwa Ibom State Solomon Obotu Akor 1 & Ijeoma I. Madu 2 1 Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Akorsolomon11@gmail.com 2 Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, Rivers State, Nigeria. Abstract The study investigated the preservation and conservation practices in the university libraries in Akwa Ibom State. Employing a descriptive survey design, the research targeted 40 librarians, comprising 24 from selected universities in Akwa Ibom. Data collection involved distributing a self-developed 4-point Likert scale questionnaire, which asked respondents to express their agreement or disagreement with statements concerning their libraries' preservation and conservation practices. Census sampling was utilized, ensuring that data was gathered from the entire population of librarians at both institutions. The study analyzed the collected data using descriptive statistics, including percentages for demographic information and mean and standard deviation for responses to research questions. This study provided a detailed overview of librarians' perspectives on the effectiveness of current preservation and conservation practices. A total of 30 questionnaires were distributed and successfully collected, yielding a robust data set for analysis. The study offered valuable insights into the effectiveness of preservation strategies and the areas needing improvement, thus providing a solid foundation for understanding and enhancing library resource management in these institutions. Keywords: Preservation, conservation, library, resources, university. Introduction Preservation and conservation of library resources are essential in ensuring the longevity and accessibility of knowledge within academic institutions. University libraries, which store vast amounts of educational and research materials, play a pivotal role in safeguarding information for future generations. The importance of these practices cannot be overstated, as they directly influence the sustainability of academic knowledge. However, library materials face a significant risk of deterioration over time, posing a serious challenge to maintaining this knowledge base. According to Opara et al. (2023), several factors contribute to this deterioration, including environmental conditions, improper handling, and the natural aging of materials. For example, high humidity and temperature fluctuations can accelerate the decay of paper and other materials, leading to the loss of valuable resources (Chigwada, 2020). Additionally, inadequate staff training on preservation techniques and the lack of proper equipment further exacerbates the problem (Iwhiwhu & Okorodudu, 2018). Given these challenges, the implementation of effective preservation and conservation strategies is imperative. Such measures, including the adoption of Article published on boldscholar.com. Verify this document by clicking here