Preservation of Digital Information Resources in Selected University Libraries in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the preservation of digital information resources in the four libraries of Delta State University   The study utilized a qualitative research technique and applied purposive sampling to select participants. The process of gathering data involved the implementation of structured interviews. The responses from the respondents, who are personnel of the digitization unit, were analyzed. The results suggest that the most often used and remembered sources of knowledge are theses, dissertations, preprints, and post-print periodicals. The libraries surveyed frequently employ external hard drives, CD-ROM/DVDs, and computer hard disks as storage media for the purpose of preservation.   Furthermore, it has been discovered that relocation and adoption of standards are the predominant strategies utilized for preservation.  The study revealed various significant barriers to the preservation of digital information resources, such as poor infrastructure, technological obsolescence, a deficiency in maintenance practices, insufficient power supply, and inadequate finance.  The study reveals that the preservation efforts on digital information resources in the analyzed libraries are lacking effectiveness and efficiency.