Nature of Delinquency among Library Staff and Users in Academic Libraries: A Study of University of Benin Library (John Haris Library)

Abstract

This work examined the nature of delinquency among library staff and users in University of Benin library (John Harris Library). The study focused on the extent of delinquency, the most serious delinquent acts, causes of delinquency, methods, opportune time for stealing and mutilation, the extent of library staff involvement and the various measures in place to detect and deter delinquency. Survey research method was used. The total sample for the study was 217 library staff and students drawn through systematic random sampling technique. Questionnaire was major tool for data collection. Percentages, means, standard deviation and summation of weighted values have been employed to analyse data in this work. The study revealed that delinquency is a serious problem confronting the library. Withholding, hiding of books and mutilation are the most serious delinquent acts. Insensitivity to the needs of others, inadequate numbers of books/journals and fear of others who may borrow and not return are the major causes of delinquency. Library closure hour when there is a rush and hiding of materials inside/under dresses were identified as the common methods/opportune time for stealing and mutilation. Delinquency would be curbed through thorough exit searches, provision of more copies of books/journals and effective publicity exercises. The library has not conducted stocktaking in six years but enforces rules and regulations and mete out appropriate disciplinary measures. Recommendations include enacting stiffer and stringent rules and regulations coupled with a strong disposition to punish offenders, sponsorship of library security personnel to workshops and seminars to equip them with modern approaches to their job, provision of adequate copies of available books/journals, an aggressive and vigorous multifaceted publicity campaign, integrity test for existing and potential library staff, regular stocktaking through rolling programmes, control of entrances/exits with barriers and turnstiles, provision of reliable alternative power supply, and a gradual and determined shift to E-library.

Keywords: Delinquency, Theft, Mutilation, Academic Libraries.