Preservation of library resources: Administrative support and library management practices

Abstract

Preservation of library collection remains one of the greatest challenges faced by libraries today. In any library endeavor, administrative support and library management play an important role to enable any program to be successful. This study looked into the extent of administrative support and library management practices in the preservation of library collections in academic libraries in the Province of Capiz. This study utilized the mixed method research through in-depth interview. The researcher interviewed 15 academic librarians using a semi-structured interview guide and was validated by high level experts. The interview details from the key informant (KII) were transcribed for interpretation and were read carefully to organize the data. Based on the data gathered, it was found out that extent of administrative support in terms of financial support/ budget, policies, planning, staffing and building and library management practices on preservation in terms of planning, organizing/ staffing, directing/ coordinating/ reporting and budgeting vary according to institutional classification, geographic location, length of existence and highest accreditation level attained. The study further revealed that preservation practices are done in academic libraries regardless of varying institutional characteristics. Over-all, the result of the survey showed that preservation practices in academic libraries in the Province of Capiz are significantly related with administrative support and library management practices. As libraries face challenges on the implementation of preservation programs for the institution, this paper recommends provision of preservation plans for libraries, trainings for the staff and adequate financial support. It further identifies that full support from the administration and efficient library management are needed.