Exploring Library Security and User Perceptions: A Case Study of the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS)

Abstract

The study examined library security and user perceptions in the academic library of the University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (UBIDS). This study aims to explore the security challenges in academic libraries from the perspectives of users. The descriptive survey design was employed. Questionnaires were used to elicit responses from 142 users from the Bamahu campus, the Law school campus, and the old campus/36-unit block of the university who patronized the academic library.  The study revealed that more students used the library in the first semester of the first year. The study also found that 56.72 percent of the respondents alluded to the presence of security challenges in the library such as the library staff making loud phone calls in the library. Similarly, the findings of the study showed that the limited number of library materials, the lack of security in the library, selfishness, and lack of awareness of library rules, regulations, and sanctions among others contributed to the security challenges in the library. The findings also indicate that certain library staff themselves violate library rules, setting a poor example for users. Respondents expressed discomfort with the security rules, revealing a negative view of library security. As a result, the study suggests organizing regular user orientation programs to educate users about the consequences of unacceptable behaviour in the library.

Keywords: Library Security, User Perceptions, Theft and Mutilation, Library Materials, UBIDS, Ghana.

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/16-5-11

Publication date: May 30^th 2025