PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES FOR EFFECTIVE INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN NORTH-WEST, NIGERIA

Purpose: This study examines the preservation and conservation practices for electronic information resources (EIRs) in federal university libraries in North-West Nigeria, focusing on the types of resources available, software and storage media utilized, preservation strategies employed, and challenges confronting effective implementation. Design/Methodology/Approach: A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining quantitative survey with qualitative interviews. The target population comprised 408 library staff across four federal university libraries: Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Bayero University Kano, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, and Federal University Dutsin-Ma. A sample of 202 respondents was selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, semi-structured interview schedule, and observation checklist. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings: The results revealed that e-journals (98.0%), e-books (96.5%), and digitized theses/dissertations (93.1%) are the most prevalent electronic resources. DSpace (87.1%) and LOCKSS (83.2%) are the most utilized preservation software. Internal servers (92.1%) and external hard drives (90.1%) are the predominant storage media. While basic preservation activities including regular backup (93.1%) and refreshment (77.2%) are widely practiced, advanced strategies such as format migration (26.7%), checksum verification (15.8%), and formal preservation policies (5.9%) are severely lacking. The most severe challenges are erratic power supply (mean=4.82), inadequate funding (mean=4.76), and storage media degradation (mean=4.45). Practical Implications: A tiered digital preservation framework is proposed, enabling libraries to progressively implement preservation capabilities according to available resources. Low-cost interventions including written policies, checksum verification, and the 3-2-1 backup rule can significantly reduce preservation risk. Originality/Value: This study provides empirical evidence on digital preservation practices in an under-researched region of Nigeria and offers context-appropriate solutions for resource-constrained academic libraries.