Preservation and Conservation of Library Resources in Law College Library and NIOSH Library, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Present study was carried out to identify preservation and conservation of library resources in Sri Lanka Law College library and NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) library. This research was done by use of questionnaires and observation. This work involved gathering data from Professional Librarians, Assistant librarians and library staff in Law College Library and NIOSH library. The survey was conducted by using questionnaires with close and open ended questions. Staff members (20) were selected for the study and 18 responded and the rate was 90%. The study sought to identify types of library resources available in the library and it was interpreting that print resources were predominant. The study also revealed that physical cleaning and dusting, fumigation, binding and photocopying were the major methods of preserving and conserving of the library resources found in the library. Poor funding, lack of preservation policy and inadequate planning of preservation and conservation of e-resources were identified as the major challenges of preservation and conservation of the library resources. Based on these facts recommendations were made such as provisions of CCTV cameras and alarm, security gates, improved funding by the management, enacting and implementing preservation and conversation policy, creating back up files onsite and off-site including installation of strong anti-virus software