USE OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEM AND ITS EFFECTS ON SECURING INFORMATION RESOURCES IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN BENUE AND NASARAWA STATES

Abstract

This study investigated use of Fire Alarm System and its effects on securing information resources in university libraries in Benue and Nasarawa States. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population of this study was 356 library staff from nine (9) university libraries in Benue and Nasarawa States. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents for this study. Four (4) university libraries in Benue and Nasarawa States with population of 136 library staff (30) Professionals and 106 Non-Professionals) purposively sampled. Two research instruments were used for data collection with a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.86 and 0.81 respectively. Mean and Standard Deviation were used to analyze the research questions and Chi-Square was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings indicated that using Fire Alarm System has significant effects on securing information resources in university libraries. Using Fire Alarm System is effective in securing information resource in university libraries. The study recommended that training for library management and staff of the university libraries to improve their attitudes toward using the security gadgets, availability of adequate technological support services, provision of adequate funds, and constant power supply can promote the use of Fire Alarms System in securing information resources in university libraries in Benue and Nasarawa States.