The challenges of conservation and preservation of serial collections in university libraries in Nigeria: the case of some selected university libraries in Nigeria

This study investigated the challenges of conservation and preservation of serial collections in university libraries in Nigeria. The study adopted four objectives and corresponding four research questions which guided the study. Literature was reviewed according to the variables under study. Using a descriptive survey design, data was collected from 65 library staff randomly drawn across five university libraries: University of Cross River State, University of Lagos, University of Calabar, University of Uyo, and University of Abuja. The findings revealed that inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, lack of preservation policies, insufficient staff training, and limited digitization initiatives were the major challenges facing serials preservation. Results indicated that 92.3% of respondents identified inadequate funding as the key constraint, while 87.7% cited poor infrastructure. The study further found that 80% of libraries lacked preservation policies, and 60% of staff had no formal training in preservation practices. Based on the findings, it was recommended that improved funding, development of institutional preservation policies, staff training in modern preservation techniques, and investment in digitization facilities to ensure long-term accessibility and sustainability of serial collections.