Emerging Technologies and Security of Library Resources at Bayelsa State Library Board

Abstract

This study investigates the application of emerging technologies in the security of library resources at Bayelsa State Library Board (BYSLB). The loss of rare intellectually stimulating and information-rich resources due to ineffective security methods at the Bayelsa State Library Board resulted in this study. Two objectives and two research questions guided the study, and two research hypotheses were formulated and tested at a 0.05 level of significance. The study was carried out using correlation research designs, with a population of 24, comprising professionals, paraprofessionals, and supporting staff. A census sampling technique was used to select all the respondents. A questionnaire was used for data collection and a total of 24 copies were administered, but only 21 copies were found valid for analysis. The data was analysed using the mean score and standard deviation for research questions and the Pearson product-moment correlation to test the hypotheses. The findings reveal that the application of emerging technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID), barcode, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) were not fully adapted. There is a significant relationship between RFID/barcode and CCTV technologies and the security of library resources at BYSLB. The study concluded that librarians should strive to adopt technological applications for securing public library resources. They should organise orientation programmes to educate users on the importance of safeguarding library resources. The study recommended, among others, funding from the government and private sectors, training of library staff as security specialists who will conduct risk assessment, and disaster preparedness towards library resources.