MANAGEMENT OF 
LIBRARY AND 
INFORMATION CENTRES 
IN THE ERA OF GLOBAL 
INSECURITY
A FESTSCHRIFT IN HONOUR OF
PROF. (SIR) MATTHEWIDOWU 
AJIBERO (KSM)
UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARY
MANAGEMENT OF LIBRARY AND 
INFORMATION CENTRES IN THE ERA OF 
GLOBAL INSECURITY
A Festschrift in Honour o f
PROFESSOR MATTHEW IDOWU AJIBERO
Editors
Professor Abdulwahab Olanrewaju Issa 
Dr. Abdulsalam Abiodun Salman 
Dr. Tunde Kamal Omopupa 
Dr. Lambs Kayode Mustapha
UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARY
Management of Library and Information Centres in the Era of Global Insecurity ii
Department of Library and Information Science,
Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, 
University of llorin, llorin, Nigeria.
Copyright © 2020
Management of Library and Information Centres in the Era of Global
Insecurity
A Festschrift in Honour o f 
PROFESSOR MATTHEW IDOWU AJIBERO
First Published in 2020 
By
Tim-Sal & Bim Publishing Ltd.
All rights reserved. No part o f  this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval 
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recording or otherwise, without the prior permission o f the authors:
ISBN: 97 8-978-57021  - 9 - 4
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UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARY
Management of Library and Information Centres in the Era of Global Insecurity iii
TABLE OF CONTENT
Page
Table of Contents...................................................................................................................................  iii
Editorial Advisory Committee Membership..................................................................................... v
Notes on Contributors........................................................................................................................... vi
Preface.............................................................    ix
Foreword.................................................................................................................................................  xi
CONTENTS
Deploying ICT to Curb Vandalisation of Library Resources in Nigerian Libraries
— Dr. Taofuf M. SALISU, & Esther Oluwaseyi JOSEPHS..................................................  1
Library and Information Services for Conflict Management in Nigeria
— Professor Kenneth Ivo Ngozi NWALO...............................................................................  12
Use of ICT for Securing Library and its Resources Against Vandalism in the Era of Global 
Insecurity — Dr. Juliana O. AKIDI & Dr. Ugochukwu D. 1MEREMBA................  24
Motivational Factors and Perception as Determinants of Students' Interest in
Modern Cataloguing and Classification Practical Sessions in Tertiary Institutions in Kwara State
— Dr. Abdulsalam Abiodun SALMAN, Dr. Abdulmumin ISAH, Rasheed Olansile
RAHEEM &Atanda Saliu SAMBO................................................................ ....................... 44
Towards Utilization of ICT for Securing Library Resources Against Vandalism in the Era 
of Global Insecurity -  Dr. A. L. MBASHIR, Comfort O. ALABI, Sani Job  ONEKUTU
& Fatima Momoh JIMOH................................................................................. ........................ ........  71
Sustainability of Library and Information Resources Through Information and Communication 
Technology Application in the Era of Global Insecurity
— Dr. Abdulganiy Okanla AHMED & Mohammed Musa SABA..~....................................  86
Use of ICT for Securing Libraries and Information Resources Against Vandalism in 
University Libraries in the Era of Global Insecurity
— Adenike Damilola OMOIKE & Daniel Olusegun IKEGUNE......................................... 103
Now and Future of Libraries: The Necessity to Equip Librarians with Cybersecurity Skills
— Murtala Ism ail ADAKAWA, Zam'a Muhammad AL-HASSAN
& Dr. Musa A. AUYO.............................................................................................................  118
Vandalism in Academic Libraries: Technologies to the Rescue
— Dr. Celina Jumtnai NONGO, Dr. Rebecca Chidinma OJOBOR, &
Securing Library Books Against Theft and Mutilation in University of Uyo through Electronic 
Detection Systems — Kathryn J. PHILIP & IDOGBE I. M........ ............................  151
UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARY
Management of Library and Information Centies in the Era of Global Insecurity i v
Roles of Libraries and Information Centres in Curbing Global Insecurity in the 21s1 Century: 
Nigeria Experience
— Dr. Musediq Tunji BASHORUN, Dr. Kubir Abubakar MUHAMMAD, R afiat Buko la
BASHORUN & Comfort Olushola ADEN I RAN...............................................................  163
Implementation of Crowd Sourcing Technologies: A Catalyst for Transforming Library 
Operations in the Era of Digital Collaboration
Auwalu Dansalc YAHAYA & Muntaka MUHAMMAD.............................................. 178
Strengthening Global Peace and Security through Information and Communication 
Technologies: The Nigerian Perspective
— Professor S O. UWAIFO........................................................................................................  191
Adoption and Use of Radio Frequency Identification Technology for Securing Information 
Resources Against Theft and Vandalism in Nigerian University' Libraries
— Dr. Shuaib Agboola OI.ARONGBE, Ismail Olatunji ADEYEMI & Abiodun Charles
ADEOYE......... :.........................................................................................................................  202
Digital Scholarship Practices in Nigerian University Libraries
— Dr. Ezra Shiloba GBAJE, Dr. Sarah Dauda YANI & Im oisili Ojeime ODIGIE..........  215
Information Security Awareness Policy on Compliant Behaviour of Information Users in 
Academic Libraries
— Dr. Joshua Onaade OJO, Augustine Adeoye BAMGBOSE & Sarah GBENU................  227
*
Public Library and Social Media as Tools for the Promotion of National Unity and Security
— Comfort Olushola ADENIRAN, & Yusuf Ayodeji AJANI................................................  238
Threats to Knowledge Management System in Nigerian Academic Libraries
Dr. Joseph O. OMONIYI........ ........................................................................................ ...... 255
Library Information Resources in the Era of Global Insecurity
— Jacob Oloruntoba KUTU & Dr. Simon Ayo ADEKUNLE..................................    265
The Roles of Library and Information Centres towards Global Security and Peace
Professor R. I. ECHEZONA..................................................................................................  279
Issues of the Convergence of Information Professions in Library and Information Science
— Dr. Olumide Johnson AKANMIDU......................................................................................   288
Aesthetic Factors and User Patronage in Nigerian Academic Libraries
Kathryn J. PHILIP & Clement SAMUEL................................. .......................................... 296
UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARY
Management of Library and Information Centres in the Era of Global Insecurity 265
LIBRARY INFORMATION RESOURCES IN THE ERA OF GLOBAL INSECURITY
By
KUTU JACOB OLORUNTOBA
Collection Development, Kenneth Dike Library,
University o f Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. 
kutujacob82@gmail.com 
&
ADEKUNLE SIMON AYO, Ph.D.
Department o f Business Administration,
University o f Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. 
adeksim@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Securing library information resources and facilities in the era o f  global insecurity is germane in 
building confidence and a sense o f  security among stakeholders and prevent theft by unscrupulous 
and criminally minded individuals. As a result o f  this, the paper explores the concept o f  information 
resources, discusses the broad categorization o f  information resources as well as explain the features, 
approaches and strategies for securing library information resources. The paper identifies the 
challenges confronting the use o f  electronic security systems in libraries in Nigeria to include 
inadequate funding o f  library, power failure, hardware and software failure, inadequate skilled 
manpower among others. It is recommended that consistent disbursement o f funds for library 
projects, promotion o f  library education among librarians and other para-professionals, constant 
power supply to the library as well as training o f  IT professionals in core areas o f  library management 
to provide tailor-made technological supports for optimal operations o f  the library services would help 
to effectively manage library information resources in the era o f  global insecurity.
Keywords: Electronic, Information resources, Insecurity, Library, Print
INTRODUCTION
Over time, information has been described as a significant factor for planning, decision 
making and forecasting. Therefore, to obtain quality information that will enable a librarian 
to accomplish the aforementioned functions, understanding the nature of information 
resources available becomes of utmost importance. The most successful man in life 
according to Mchombu (2000) cited in Mabuku (2015:18) is the man with the best 
information. Information positions a person with the ability to pick and to act in a 
knowledgeable way (Balman 2015). However, information is stored and packaged in 
different formats representing information resources or sources. Hence, data assets can be 
characterized as stages or media on which data is recorded with the aim of preserving, 
managing, storing, retrieving, disseminating and utilising it.
Discourse on securing library staff and facilities is important and highly beneficial. It 
helps in building confidence and a sense of security among stakeholders and prevent theft 
by unscrupulous and criminally minded individuals. The use of electronic security systems 
promotes flexibility and remote monitoring by allowing library management to carry out a
UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARY
Library Information Resources in the Era of Global Insecurity 266
continuous check of library activities. This chapter, therefore, explores the concept of 
information resources, discusses the broad categorization of information resources as well 
as explain the features, approaches and strategies for securing library information resources.
CONCEPT OF INFORMATION RESOURCES
Hertzum, Andersen, Andersen and Hansen (2002) defined information resources as 
oral or written, human or virtual that are easily accessible. Adomi (2012) noted that 
information resources are media from which an individual or a group of people receive 
concepts, messages and directions that enable them to accomplish a given task such as 
taking a vital decision, as well as solving a problem. Information resources, according to 
Zaid (2011), are taken to be tangible and organised collections of such information, whether 
in print, microfilm or held on some computer storage media such as CD or digital versatile 
disc (DVD), media-print and non-media print. Information resource is a form of long-term 
storage; which is used for replicating and conveying meanings expressed in human- 
readable and machine-readable characters. Information resource is purposefully designed 
for use as an instrument for a certain activity, used for strongly pronounced consumer 
values, and which often permit product to be regarded as a commodity in information 
market (Berestova, 2016).
Omosekejimi, Ijiekhuamhen and Ojeme (2015) revealed that information resources 
have been hindered by economic and as well as lack of good infrastructure for contact with 
poor based information sources. These authors further observed that inadequate 
infrastructure has obstructed the academic librarians from accessing information resources 
that could boost their research activities. From the foregoing, the description and analysis of 
the nature of information resources were to put into proper perspective the type of 
information sources that academic librarians make use in the course of carrying out their 
daily activities. The use of these information sources is to facilitate better performance in the 
era of global insecurity. It was further noted in the reviewed literature that there are barriers 
inhibiting information resources that affect information sources used.
CATEGORIZATION 6 f  INFORMATION RESOURCES
Kawatra (2011) categorised information sources into two: print/document sources and 
non-print/non-document sources/electronic information resources (EIRs).
Print/Document Sources: Kawatra (2011), defined document/print information sources as 
information that is contained in documents and has been recorded in printed form. Rao 
(2000), opined that documented sources enable the transfer of information from one 
generation to another which contributes positively to the technological, religious, cultural, 
social, political and economic advancement of human beings. Printed resources are 
categorized as tertiary, secondary and primary sources (Rao 2000). Kawatra (2011) and Rao 
(2000:3-4) in their studies found that if properly used information resources could enhance 
job performance
Prim ary Sources o f  Inform ation: Primary sources are original information materials from 
which other information sources are derived. Kumar (2010) defined primary sources of 
information as the principal printed record of unique innovative work or portrayal of new
UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARY
Library Information Resources in the Era of Global Insecurity 267
use of an old subject or thought. This type of information sources could likewise show up in 
an electronic organization.
Omah and Urhiewhu (2016) conducted a study on a strategy for the effective utilisation 
of information resources. Their findings revealed that textbooks, charts, pictures, 
chalkboards, graphs, transparencies, display boards, encyclopaedias, dictionaries, globes 
and atlases were utilised to a significant extent, while televisions and computers were 
minimally utilised. This low level of utilisation was attributed to inadequate resources and 
insecurity. In Africa Nwatela (2013) revealed that utilisation of information resources is still 
dismally low. The author noted that there is still a gap in the information exchange process 
in Africa. For instance, in South Africa, Jiyane and Ocholla (2004) observed that there are 
adequate information resources, but that academic librarians are overworked and so have 
no time to seek or locate appropriate information. This is not the case in Nigeria where most 
of the information resources are not relevant because they are obsolete.
Chimah and Nwokocha (2013) explain that academia has been confronted with 
inadequate information resources in the era of global insecurity. The authors presented a 
discourse on various concepts of information resources, characteristics, material resource, 
utilisation and web-based information. Adomi (2012) and Nnadozie (2014) agreed with 
Kumar (2010) and identified primary information resources/sources as autobiographies, 
periodicals, theses, memoires, interviews, lecture notes, personal letters, diaries, grey 
literature among others as first-hand information providers. Moreover, there are other 
forms of primary sources that are referred to as unpublished sources. These types of 
primary sources include audio and visual recording, artefacts, photographs, internet 
communication portraits, sets of data such as census statistics among others. From the 
sources mentioned above, those that fall under this class -  (unpublished sources) are the 
information sources not packaged and made available in the conventional published 
formats they are considered due to their usefulness, authenticity, archival and historical 
relevance and the conveyance of vital information. These primary information resources are 
discussed in detail below.
Reitz (2020) defined a periodical as a serial publication which contains distinct title, 
poems, editorials, a mix of articles, short stories, reviews, columns, or other short works 
written by more than one contributor. It is issued in softcover periodically such as monthly, 
quarterly, bi-annually and annually without prior decision as to when the final issue will 
appear. The content of periodical is usually controlled by an editor or editorial board. 
Periodical publications include but not limited to newspapers, electronic magazines journals 
and annuals (reports, yearbooks). The terms periodicals and serials are commonly used 
interchangeably. According to Ogbonna (2009), they are publications that appear with 
distinguishing titles and issued in sequential part bearing numerical or chronological 
description and intended to continue indefinitely. Otazu (n.d) further stated that they are 
times bound, and materials published at ordinary interims, for example, day by day, week 
by week, month to month or yearly. Since they are published so often, they tend to include 
the most recent information. These include journals, magazine, newspapers, annuals, 
reports, memoirs, proceedings, monographic series, bulletins and so on.
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Library Information Resources in the Era of Global Insecurity 268
Journals are periodicals devoted to disseminating research and discourse on current 
developments in a specific discipline, sub-discipline, or field usually published on a month 
to month, quarterly or annual basis (Reitz, 2020). The examples of journal articles include 
the output of the research carried out by a person, group on a particular subject matter 
usually sold by subscription. Ogbonna (2009) described journals as publications issued 
periodically bearing numerical or sequential depiction and planned to proceed uncertainly. 
They include the accompanying sorts: academic diaries (learned society diaries), house 
diaries, learned diaries business and exchange journals (Otazu n.d).
Magazines are publications of popular interest which contain articles on a variety of 
topics, written by various authors in a non-scholarly style (Reitz, 2020). Most magazines are 
heavily illustrated, contain advertising, and are printed on glossy papers. The author 
further noted that articles in magazines are usually short (less than five pages long), 
frequently unsigned, and do not include a bibliography or list of references for further 
reading. Most magazines are issued monthly or weekly for sale at newsstands, bookstores 
and through subscription. Magazines can also be described as periodic publications 
containing pictures, articles and stories of interest to those who purchase or subscribe to 
them and are published weekly or monthly or at the other defined regular interval (Lawal & 
Oni, 2008). Magazines articles are about recent developments, lifestyle, news and culture. 
They are otherwise called well-known magazines, whose audience is the overall population; 
the content is written by journalists, correspondents and interested contributors. Examples 
are Time, Tell, Newsweek and Newswatch and so forth (Otazu n.d).
Newspapers are serial publications, that are usually in printed or newsprint forms and 
they are issued daily about events of previous days of the week, or weekly. Newspapers 
may contain editorial comments, news, regular columns, advertising letters to the editor, 
cartoons and other items of local and international interests (Reitz, 2020). Newspaper 
articles are written by journalists and serve as a good source of news and current events for 
effective information dissemination and contain editorials, entertainment information, 
classified advertisements, sports and other information (Otazu n.d). Lawal and Oni (2008) 
noted that a newspaper is a daily or weekly publication on the folded sheet containing 
articles, news and advertisement on current happenings within an environment. Examples 
include the Punch, Guardian, Vanguard, This Day, Tribune, The Sun, The Nation New York 
Times, Daily Graphic, Tabloid.
They are printed or electronic publications of the activities of a company, bodies and 
other corporate entities that are published monthly, quarterly or annually. A report, which 
is usually detailed, is an archive that presents information in an organized format for a 
precise audience (such as; board of directors, other governing body or current and 
prospective shareholders) and other purpose. Although summaries of reports may be 
delivered orally however, complete reports are always delivered in the form of written 
documents in softcover. It describes the firm's activities during the current financial position 
and preceding fiscal year Reitz (2020). They are technical because they generally give the 
results of research and developments or projects usually in unpublished or semi-published 
literature since they are not available through the conventional book platforms (Otazu n.d).
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Library Information Resources in the Era of Global Insecurity 269
It can also be said to be a publication published annually and contains information about 
events that occurred in the year of coverage (Ogbonna, 2009).
Spronken-Smith, Cameron and Quigg (2018) noted that the terms 'dissertation' and 
'thesis' are used interchangeably to refer to a research submitted to get an advanced degree. 
They are submitted as a requirement for fulfilling a master or doctorate degree. To be 
specific, the students submit a dissertation to obtain a master degree while obtaining Ph D. 
entails the students to submit a thesis. It was further noted that dissertations submitted at 
universities in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and other European countries are 
indexed and abstracted in Dissertation Abstracts International (DAI), available in print, on 
CD-ROM, and online from ProQuest. On the other hand, a thesis is a proposition advanced 
and defended in a formal disputation, especially by a candidate in partial fulfilment of 
university requirements for a master's degree (Spronken-Smith et al., 2018).
Theses/dissertations are used interchangeably in Nigeria. Theses are academic and 
research work usually submitted by students of higher institutions to earn academic 
degrees such as Master and Doctoral degrees which are found in the collection of academic 
libraries (Ogbonna, 2009). According to Otazu (n.d), a thesis can be seen as a dissertation 
advising an original viewpoint as a result of research, especially, on the side of a candidate 
for a scholarly qualification usually a doctorate. Theses/dissertations constitute a good 
source of prijnary information because they are expected to be a result of purely academic 
work or original research, conducted in a new or uncharted environment to discover new 
knowledge or expand the frontiers of existing knowledge in a particular specialty. From 
such findings, journal articles and textbooks may be published to further bring to the fore 
the result of such original work. Reitz (2020)noted that conference proceedings are printed 
records of a gathering, symposium, congress, or different assemblies supported by a general 
public or affiliation, usually but not necessarily including abstracts or reports of papers pres 
ented by the members. Proceedings are a collection of academic papers that are published 
usually in the context of an academic conference, congresses, seminars or workshops 
(Otazu, n.d). Proceedings are likewise an important primary source of information since 
they serve as the media through which results of scientific research are disseminated. 
Secondary Sources o f  In form ation: They are sources that either refer to or compiled from 
sources of information. According to Musa (2017), the original information must have been 
nonchalantly modified, reorganized or selected to fill a specific need for the assemblage of 
users. Such sources contain information sorted and arranged on the bases of some positive 
arrangement. These contain organized repackaged information that contradicted to new 
information. According to Thomas, Nelson and Silverman (2015), a secondary source 
interprets, analyzes and may also criticize primary sources. Otazu (n.d) further noted that 
secondary sources analyse, comment on, describe, discuss, evaluate, and interpret the 
evidence provided by primary sources or documents. Secondary sources cite primary 
sources of information as well as enable the user to locate a primary source of information. 
The dissimilarity in definition has a lot to do with context, discipline and how a source is 
used for example, bibliographies, treatises, monographs, indexes, textbooks and some 
reference materials are examples of secondary information sources (Otazu n.d). These
UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARY
Library Information Resources m the Era of Global Insecurity 270
secondary information resources are discussed in detail below.
Reitz (2020) defined bibliography as an orderly list of composed works by a particular 
author on a given subject. Bibliographies are a compilation of works, titles that offer at least 
one regular qualities (language, structure, period, a spot of publishing, and so forth). A list 
of sources might be thorough or particular which might be published sequentially or in 
book form (Reitz, 2020). According to Sababa (2012), the word bibliography is derived from 
two Greek words biblio and graphi/ meaning books and writing. Therefore, bibliography 
connotes the writing of books of books or in its most general sense; it is the study and 
description of books (Sababa, 2012). Ogbonna (2009) noted that this is a reference work that 
contains a compilation or list of information on recorded sources of information that 
provides sources of information and not the information itself. A bibliography is a list of 
source materials used in the process of preparing a piece of work, or that are referred to in 
the text. A treatise is a book or long conventional paper, usually on a complex or abstruse 
subject, particularly a systematic well-documented presentation of actualities, proof, 
standards or conclusions drawn from such project (Reitz, 2020). Treatise can further be 
explained as a written discourse on a certain subject, which is generally longer, greater 
depth treatment of the subject matter, and more concerned with investigating, exploring, 
and exposing the principles of the subject under discussion.
An index is an arrangement of the list of headings alphabetically, which involves 
individual names, places, and subjects treated in a composed archive, with page numbers 
serving as pointers for further reference of the potential reader. An index serves as the 
pointer to the page (s) where information or source is referred to in the main text (Reitz, 
2020). An index can also be described as a pointer to the holdings of books which enables 
easy retrieval of information and is usually found at the back of the book which gives the 
user easy location of words in the book and arranged alphabetically (Sababa, 2012). It is a 
list of words or phrases that carries associated pointer or locator as to direct a user to where 
useful materials relating to that phrase or heading can be found in a given document. The 
pointers, in this case, can be the page numbers, paragraph numbers or section numbers; 
while the words can be authors' name, titles, places, events or other items considered 
relevant and of interest to a possible reader of the book (Browne & Jermey, 2007).
Reitz (2020) described a textbook as a comprehensive compilation of edition of a book 
in a branch of study explicitly proposed for the utilization of learners and instructors who 
are enrolled in a course of study, planning for assessments regarding a matter or in a 
scholarly order, as distinct from the exchange version of a similar title. Textbooks are 
sometimes published in conjunction with an exercise manual, lab manuals, and educator's 
manual. They may likewise be referred to as the standard work used for a particular course 
of study, regardless of whether published in special edition or not. Also, a textbook is a 
publication used especially in the study of a subject and used for teaching and learning with 
a single or joint author(s) who are usually conversant in the subject(s) of the book, most 
times experts are professionals in their subject field (Ogbonna, 2009). According to Otazu 
(n.d), a textbook is a book used as a standard source of information on a particular subject. 
It is a book used in the investigation of a subject as one containing a presentation of the
UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARY
Library Information Resources in the Era of Global Insecurity 271
standards of a subject; or an abstract work relevant to the investigation of a subject.
Obichere, Uche and Udo-Anyanwu (2012) described reference materials as any 
publication from which authoritative information can be found They are usually not meant 
to be read from cover to cover. Reference materials include but not limited to dictionaries, 
encyclopaedias, catalogue records, printed indexes and abstracting services, bibliographic 
databases and so on. Similarly, reference sources are books designed to be consulted or 
referred to for specific bits of information (Obichere et al.r 2012). Otazu (n.d) noted that, a 
good reference information resources have the quality of ease-of-use or user-friendly nature 
in its entries and they are not designed to be read from page to page like textbooks but 
mainly for consultations within the reference section of the library such as dictionaries, 
encyclopaedias, directories, yearbooks, almanac, handbooks/manuals, biographical 
sources, abstracts. Despite the important role of information resources in enhancing security 
for academic librarians, scholars such as Jiyane and Ocholla (2004) found that, the use of 
reference sources is fraught with problems. They asserted that many academic librarians do 
not know where to begin their search and most of them have little or no idea of how to use 
the online catalogue or perform searches in databases hence, hinder their performance. It, 
therefore, believes that there is a need for libraries in Nigeria to stand as vanguards for the 
reception of innovation exchange emanating from the developed economies.
ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES (EIRS)
EIRs are a digital representation of data, ideas and information that are prepared to 
facilitate unrestricted access to information resources that are not directly owned by the 
user or the institution. Electronic Information resources comprise information and computer 
program(s) encoded for perusing and manipulating by a computer, by the use of a fringe 
gadget directly connected to the computer, for example, a CD-ROM drive, or remotely 
through a computer, for example, the Internet The category includes electronic texts, 
bibliographic databases, software applications, web sites, e-books, institutional repositories, 
collections of e-journals and so on. In a related development, Dadize (2005) posited that 
electronic resources remain an invaluable research tools that can be used to complement the 
print-based resources in a traditional library thus supporting the argument that librarians 
preferred different kinds of database depending on their needs. This confirms the revelation 
from (OII£ & Borrego, 2010). According to these authors, the study revealed that the amount 
of journal reading among information users as a result of increase in electronic journals 
availability enhanced their job performance.
The following can be deduced from the above definitions. First, computer access plays 
a pivotal role in the utilisation of electronic resources. Different kinds of computer such as 
personal computer, mainframe, or handheld mobile devices can be utilized. Second, 
electronic resources can be in different forms such as e-joumal, e-book, e-thesis, full-text 
database, online database, CD-ROM, among others. Third, e-resources can be in numerical, 
graphical or time-based forms that can be marketed and made available commercially to 
target audience or users. EIRs require licensing and authentication, they are not publicly 
available free of charge. The significance of EIRs is being recognized at various libraries 
(such as academic, research, public). However, the EIRs consume much of librarv budgets,
UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN LIBRARY
Library Information Resources in the Era of Global Insecunty 272
even to the detriment of monographic acquisitions (Gakibayo, Ikoja-Odongo & Okello- 
Obura, 2013). As concluded by these authors, ICTs have brought a positive impact on the 
nature, boundaries and structure of information. These electronic information resources are 
discussed in detail below.
E-book: An e-book is a digital version of a traditional print book designed to be read on a 
personal computer or e-book reader (Reitz, 2020). Some libraries offer access to electronic 
books through the online catalogue. Johnson, Evensen, Gelgand, Lammers, Sipe and Zilper 
(2012) viewed an e-book as a book that is given in a computerized organization to checkout 
or used through an Internet program, a computer, or another electronic gadget like a digital 
book reader. Similarly, Dinkelman and Stacy-Bates (2007) defined digital book as any bit of 
electronic content regardless of size or composition (an advanced item), excluding journal/ 
diary productions, made accessible electronically (or optically) for any gadget (mobile or 
handheld) that incorporates a screen. The advantages of e-books include space-saving, 
accessibility, speedy publications as well as low costs (Ashcroft & Watt, 2004). In contrast, 
Minfic-Obradovid (2011) highlighted the demerits of e-books to include difficulties with 
reading on a screen as it strains eyes; technical necessities; and compatibility with citation 
software.
E-journal: An e-journal is a computerized version of a print journal/diary or a journal/ 
diary-like electronic publication with no print version made accessible through the Web, 
email, or different methods of Internet access (Reitz, 2020). Some online electronic journals/ 
diaries are graphically demonstrated on the print version. With the development of the 
Internet, librarians and information professionals have acknowledged the capabilities of ICT 
as a means of resource sharing and to identified challenges encountered in intellectual 
property rights from the author to the publisher (Correia & de Castro, 2006). As indicated 
by Johnson ct al. (2012), e-journals/diaries are provided in a digital format for access 
through Internet program, a computer or other electronic gadgets. Lee (2002) defined e- 
journal/journal/diary as an electronic asset published as a sequential, often duplicating a 
journal that already exists in the print structure, yet besides being born digital. The major 
objective of subscribing to e-resources in academic libraries is to facilitate wider and easy 
access to information resources that are not owned directly by the libraries but that are on 
the World Wide Web. Lee (2002)'s study established that all the parameters enhanced the 
effective utilisation of e-resources for job performance by academic librarians. E-journals are 
interactive which makes it more friendly than print resources, and e-journal does not 
require shelve spaces, rather they only require a computer with internet facilities (Mahure, 
2020) .
Online Newspapers: They are serial publications of news items that are issued on daily basis 
about events of previous days of the week, or weekly and information on instant 
happenings so long there is Internet connectivity (Reitz, 2020). The news/information on 
online newspapers may be accessed remotely through the use of mainframe computers, 
laptops, telephone and other mobile technologies. According to Koundal and Mishra (2018) 
e-newspaper is the kind of online service which provides information about the important 
national and international affairs, stories as well as financial issues. Furthermore, thev
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Library Information Resources in the Era of Global Insecurity 273
provide news in multimedia form through the use of photographs, charts, graphs, video 
and audio clips. However, the services provided by this outlet, are geared towards 
providing information to readers. Similarly, there is a collection of sites that serve as search 
engines; an example of this includes, the pathfinder (www.pathfinder.com) which serves as 
both search engine strategy and web sites collection.
Full-text Database: Full-text database as defined by Reitz (2020) is an e-resource that offers 
text of a single work entirely. Full-text database includes articles published in one or more 
journals, magazines and/or newspapers. For examples, a bibliographic database that offers 
the whole text of a significant proportion of the works indexed, in addition to the 
bibliographic citation and an abstract of the content such as JSTOR, Britannica Online and 
other e-databases. Full-text databases provide the full-text of a document instead of just a 
citation or abstract; full-text documents from electronic databases are typically available in 
PDF or HTML (Johnson et ah, 2012). Odero and Mutula (2017) stated that one of the legacies 
of the growth of the Internet and the Web is that individuals are no longer contented with 
computer services which only direct them to information but rather they want computer 
services to provide indexing and abstracting of resources as well as the full content.
Reference Database: A reference database is a large catalogue which can be searched for 
information on a particular subject (Stevenson & Collin, 2006). Among the merit of 
searching the electronic source of information on the Web is that the information on this 
platform is readily available, fast and mostly free (Rao, 2000). The web allows individuals or 
groups of individuals to search for different information sources at a given time. This web 
contains similar information materials as can be found in the library. Information can be 
sourced/searched through the use of almanac, dictionary, abbreviations, charts acronyms, 
table, among others.
Compact Disc-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) Databases: Compact Disc-Read Only Memory 
(pronounced "see dee rahm"), is a small plastic optical disk similar to an audio compact disc, 
measuring 4.72 inches (12 centimeters) in diameter, used as a publishing medium and for 
storing information in digital format (Johnson et al. 2012). The disc is read by a small laser 
beam inside a device called a CD-ROM drive. The author revealed that data encoded on a 
CD-ROM can be searched and displayed on a computer screen that cannot be changed or 
erased. The author further stated that each disc can store 650 megabytes of data, the 
equivalent of 250,000 to 300,000 pages of text or approximately 1,000 books of average 
length.
SECURITY OF INFORMATION RESOURCES
Information resources security play a critical role in supporting library services by 
driving innovation and opportunities for the development of competitive advantage within 
the library settings. As such, preservation of the confidentiality, integrity and availability of 
these information resources is a significant imperative for libraries, as is the need for a 
viable information security strategy in any academic or research libraries to facilitate 
information security transfer. Theft, mutilation and vandalism are the major security 
challenges face by most libraries in Nigeria. Akor (2013) described security of information 
resources as a process designed to protect library collections against unauthorized removal
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Library Information Resources in the Era of Global Insecurity 274
or loss.
The safety and security of library resources is germane. This is because library 
resources are rapidly changing as more electronic materials are available to users. As 
explained by Venter and Eloff (2003), information security involves protecting information 
and information-bearing materials to minimize the risk of information exposure to unlawful 
users. Similarly, Pipkin (2000) described information security as the protection of the 
intellectual property of an organisation. Data integrity as noted by Cai and Zhu (2015) is 
core to information security. Data integrity involves maintaining and guaranteeing data 
accuracy and consistency over its entire life cycle. This promotes difficulty (impossibility) of 
information modification by unauthorized parties in an undetectable manner (Omosekejimi 
et al„ 2015).
Despite the benefits inherent in the use of electronic security system is still bedevilled 
in Nigeria by a number of challenges such as inadequate funding of library, power failure, 
hardware and software failure, inadequate skilled manpower among others. These 
challenges can be effectively addressed through consistent disbursement of funds for library 
projects, promote library education among librarians and other para-professionals, constant 
power supply to the library as well as training IT professionals in core areas of library 
management to provide tailor-made technological supports for optimal operations of the 
library services.
Information security systems promote data confidentiality and message integrity. 
Availability and authenticity are two core features of any information security. As 
explained by Spagnoletti and Resca (2008), the purpose of information-bearing materials is 
to make such materials available when needed. This implies that physical materials such as 
books and journals that contain information and computer systems used for storing and 
processing information should be properly protected in a way that facilitates easy access 
and functionality. Availability of information-bearing materials guarantee constant access to 
information, prevents disruptions orchestrated by power and hardware failures and 
prevention of messages that can forcefully shut down the system. Authenticity as a feature 
of information security entails validation of claims made by parties involved in information 
sharing and exchange. This can be attained by using a digital signature as a proof of the 
genuineness of message data sent by a party with an authentic signing key.
APPROACHES TO  LIBRARY INFORMATION SECURITY
Information security in the library can be examined in different ways such as security 
of physical assets and security using telecommunication and electronic gadgets.
Physical Security o f Library Assets: This includes the architectural designs and the use of 
security personnel. The architectural design of the library should ensure proper lighting 
both within and outside (vehicular and pedestrian entrances). The design of circulation 
areas should facilitate proper surveillance. The design should also assist easy monitoring of 
library staff, visitors, service vehicles and pedestrians as well as concealing sensitive areas 
of the library from being accessed by unauthorized individuals. The design also should be 
done in a way that prevents unwanted entry and concealing of criminal elements from 
being detected by security personnel Snd detective mechanisms. Doors and windows of the
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Library Information Resources in the Era of Global Insecurity 275
library building should be functional and properly protected using different devices such as 
cylindrical locks, deadbolts, mortise locks, guards, bars, screens and films among others. 
Concerning security personnel, the library should be safeguarded by well trained and 
motivated security team. The security personnel should be on the ground during working 
hours as well as when the library is closed. The security personnel are expected to carry out 
routine checks of the facilities and ensure constant operations of any security gadgets put in 
place to facilitate their work.
Library Security using Telecommunication ami Electronic Gadgets: This involves protecting 
information systems from being accessed, damaged, stolen or destroyed by unauthorized 
individuals. This can be achieved using burglary protection, collection security, electronic 
access control, video and camera surveillance.
Burglary Protection: This involves the use of sensor systems that can be active or passive. 
Active sensors help in transmitting different types of energy and detecting changes in 
received energy created by the presence of motion of the intruders while sensors help in 
detecting energy emitted by an intruder or change of some natural field of energy caused by 
the intruder.
Collection Security: This entails putting mechanisms in place to checkmate the movement of 
materials without proper authorization. It prevents an illegal movement of materials 
outside the library. It involves fixing some security or monitoring devices such as 
electromagnetic and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) on the materials (books, 
journals, magazines, CDs and DVD, audio and video cassettes and so on).
Electronic Access Control: This is used for monitoring access to library building facilities, 
resources and room. For instance, authorized individuals can be granted access to a 
controlled area of the library using automatic door unlocking devices, plastic access cards, 
or screening using well-programmed software such as biometrics entry systems that use 
fingerprint recognition, palm recognition, and scanning systems. Electronic access control 
facilitates effective protection and security of valuable library access.
Camera and Video Surveillance They are potent tools for monitoring and recording 
movements of library resources and users to reduce crime and promote safety. For instance, 
closed-circuit television (CCTV) can be used to scrutinize library staff and visitors, 
scrutinize work environment, prevent stealing as well as observe and record misconducts 
by library users and employees.
STRATEGIES FOR SECURING INFORMATION RESOURCES
The adoption of the following strategies can help in promoting effective information 
security in the library:
i. Well trained personnel should be assigned to different areas of information security 
risk management
ii. Library information security personnel should lx? up to date in seeking and utilizing 
information relating to their duties. This can be achieved by subscribing to security- 
related outlets and constant training. Regular intra-library information security
discussion sessions will go a long way in keeping personnel abreast of current issues 
in the area.
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Library Information Resources in the Era o f Global Insecurity 276
iii. Access level hierarchy should be developed and used by personnel. Access to highly 
sensitive information and systems should be restricted to few tested and trusted 
professionals.
iv. Regular and comprehensive audits of computer hard and soft wares should be 
conducted to identify and manage possible loopholes.
v. Library information systems should be configured to give automatic notification in 
situations where there is network outrage or serious break-in attempt.
CONCLUSION
This chapter concludes that in this era of global insecurity, effective management of 
library information resources is critical. That irrespective of the categorization of 
information resources -  print or electronic, securing them against loss and theft is 
considered to be important in managing libraries. The use of different information sources 
is to facilitate better performance of users in the era of global insecurity. To achieve 
optimum results in using information resources, librarians and other para-professionals 
should be up to date in seeking and utilizing information relating to their duties by 
subscribing to security-related outlets, constant training and information sharing to keep 
them abreast of current issues in the profession.
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