THE IMPACT OF CENSORSHIP ON LIBRARY COLLECTION AND SERVICES

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the impact of censorship on library collection and services in John Harris Library, University of Benin. Four (4) research questions were raised and one hypothesis formulated to guide the study. The study adopted survey research design. The population of the study consists of all the librarians in John Harris library, University of Benin. 180 librarians formed the sample population for the study which was randomly selected to represent the total population of the study. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire; it was built around the research question by the researcher and validated by the researcher’s supervisor. 180 copies of the questionnaire were printed and distributed to the sample population and was retrieved on the spot after filling to ensure 100% retrieval. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentage, mean and standard deviation. The major findings of the study are as follows: there is a relationship between censorship and library collections in John Harris Library, University of Benin. the types of library collections available for censoring in John Harris Library include: books, journals, magazines, newspapers, encyclopedia, dictionaries, audio-visual materials, electronic books and electronic journals. the effect of censorship on xiii library collection and services in John Harris Library, University of Benin include: censorship can restrict access to certain harmful contents, censorship narrow library collections to only productive materials, and Censorship impacts on library services and collection. challenges of censorship in libraries include: Selecting appropriate materials, dealing with and identifying controversial materials, legal consideration and protecting intellectual freedom for all. Based on the findings and conclusions, the following recommendations are made: university library heads and school management should adopt the use of censorship amongst others.