Demographic variables as predictors of library personnel’s perception of preservation of information resources in Nigerian federal university libraries

Abstract

The study examined the extent to which the demographic variables of library personneI in Nigerian federal university libraries predict their perception about preservation of information resources. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample white questionnaire method was used to collect data. 660 copies of the questionnaire were administered to the library personnel in Nigerian federal university libraries out of which the 510 which were returned well filled were analysed. The reliability coefficient (r) of the questionnaire used for data collection was 0.69 obtained using Cronbach - alpha method. The study revealed that a significant relationship exists between age and perception of library personnel about preservation of information resources (r =0.16, p<0.01). The demographic variables (gender, age, section of work, length of Service, education and designation) was also found to jointly influence the perception of the library personnel and these accounted for 5.7% (R2 =0.057) of the total variance in perception of the library personnel about preservation of information resources. However, only three demographic variables viz age (B=6.690; p<0.05), designation (B=-0.104; p<0.05) and Service (B=-8.458: p<0.05) could predicf library personnel’s perception of preservation of information resources. Suggestions were offered on how to make training and education improve perception ofthe library personnel about preservation of information resources.