PRESERVATION PRACTICES ON SUSTAINABLE SERVICE DELIVERY IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) AKOKA (FCET, AKOKA), AND UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS (UNILAG)

Abstract

This study examines the influence of digital preservation practices on the quality-of-service delivery in Academic libraries, specifically comparing the Federal College of Education (Tech), Akoka, and the University of Lagos, both in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design with a total population of 24 librarians, comprising all librarians of the FCET, Akoka, and UNILAG, both in Lagos State. The entire population was used as a sample due to its manageable size, using the census sampling technique. A self-structured questionnaire “DPPOSDQ” was used as the instrument to gather data, with a 100% return rate. Experts in the field of study validated the instrument. Reliability was by test retest method which yielded 0.86 reliability index. The data gathered were analyzed using simple percentages and frequency counts. The findings revealed that e-journals, e-books, computers, Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), and institutional repositories are the major electronic resources available in both Libraries. It also identified encapsulation, copying of files into multiple locations, and resource access control as the main digital preservation practices, they currently employ. the study showed that both libraries perceive digital preservation practices as positively influencing service delivery. Finally, the study found that the major challenges affecting both libraries in maintaining digital preservation practices are technological obsolescence, poor ICT infrastructure, lack of preservation policy, and lack of internet, especially in FCET, Akoka. In conclusion, FCET, Library and the UNILAG library acknowledged the presence of e-journals, e-books, OPACs, computers, and institutional repositories leading to quality academic service delivery. The researcher recommendds that libraries should develop and establish comprehensive digital preservation policies that outline standards, procedures, and responsibilities addressing issues of data backup, security, and long-term access, ensuring a structured approach to digital preservation.