FUDMA International Journal of Library Science and Information Management

Federal University Dutsinma
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Availability of Digital Information Resources and Preservation Practices in University Libraries in Katsina State, Nigeria

DOI: .69fb2d2ce90f7
Pages: 297-306 Volume: Vol. 5 | Issue: No. 2 Published: May 6, 2026

Abstract

This study assessed the availability of digital information resources and the preservation practices \r\nadopted in university libraries in Katsina State, Nigeria. Two objectives and two research \r\nquestions guided the study: to examine the types of digital information resources available in \r\nuniversity libraries and to determine the digital preservation strategies adopted. A descriptive \r\nsurvey research design was employed. The population comprised all 212 professional and para\r\nprofessional library staff in the university libraries in Katsina State. A sample size of 132 \r\nrespondents was determined using the Research Advisor (2006) sample size table and selected \r\nthrough proportionate stratified sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used for data \r\ncollection, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and \r\npercentage to answer the research questions of the study. The findings revealed that university \r\nlibraries in Katsina State possess several digital information resources including electronic \r\njournals, electronic books, online academic databases, institutional repositories, and digitized \r\ntheses and dissertations. The results also indicated that libraries adopt various preservation \r\npractices such as regular data backup, use of external storage devices, file format migration, and \r\naccess control systems. However, more advanced strategies such as trusted digital repositories \r\nand standardized digital preservation frameworks are less widely implemented. The study \r\nconcludes that although digital resources are available and preservation practices exist, stronger \r\ninstitutional policies and technological frameworks are required to ensure long-term \r\nsustainability. The study recommends that university libraries should strengthen digital \r\npreservation infrastructure and adopt internationally recognized preservation standards to \r\nenhance sustainable access to digital scholarly resources.

Keywords: Academic libraries, Digital information resources, Digital preservation, Electronic resources, Nigeria.
How to Cite:
MUSA et al. (2026). Availability of Digital Information Resources and Preservation Practices in University Libraries in Katsina State, Nigeria . FUDMA International Journal of Library Science and Information Management (FIJLSIM), Vol. 5(No. 2), 297-306. https://doi.org/.69fb2d2ce90f7
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