Abstract:
The present study examined the preservation practices for information
resources in seven public university libraries in Tanzania. Convenient and pur posive sampling techniques were used to recruit library staff and library directors
respectively to participate in the study. Data were collected through questionnaires
and semi-structured interviews. The quantitative data obtained from the ques tionnaires were analysed using the Statistical Product and Service Solution
(version 20) software while the qualitative data from the interviews were analysed
using the thematic data analysis method. Regarding the effective preservation
approaches for information resources, the study established that binding, digiti zation, migration, and emergency preparedness plans were highly cited. The
following were the recommended preservation approaches for adoption in public
university libraries: digitization, refreshing, proper shelving, and cleanliness of all
library areas, migration, technology preservation, and binding. From the findings,
it was concluded that public university libraries have a variety of preservation
approaches for both print and digital information resources. The study recom mends that policymakers and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology
should train librarians in skills that they can apply in preserving information
resources using modern technologies.
