THEFT AND MUTILATION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS IN SPECIAL LIBRARIES; A CASE STUDY OF LAUTECH MEDICAL LIBRARY, COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES OSOGBO

This research work set out to ascertain the level of theft and mutilation of information materials in LAUTECH Medical Library Osogbo. It has been noticed that major problem facing the development of most special libraries is the consistent rising in the level of theft and mutilation of information materials causing a decline in the volume of the library collections. In order to successfully carry out this study, a survey research method was adopted, using questionnaires and observation as the major instruments for data collection aside from examining relevant documents/materials affected to collect necessary statistics about the library. Descriptive statistical method, which uses the simple percentage was used to analyze the data collected pie charts are also used for data presentation, thereby enabling for easy discussion and interpretation of data. At end of data gathering, it was found out that theft and mutilation do occur in the LAUTECH Medical Library Osogbo, just like in every other institution libraries, but at a reduced rate, through various ways analyzed in the study. As a result of these, the researchers concluded that theft and mutilation of library materials could go a long way in hindering effective services provision necessary for meeting the diverse information and research needs of the users in the library. A number of recommendations were put forward for prevention of theft and mutilation in LAUTECH Medical Library Osogbo.