Digital Preservation Challenges in Nigerian University Libraries and the Development of an Open-Source Preservation Software Model

Agatha Ujunwa Nnatu; Emmachika Onyebuchi Lynda; Ngozi Njideka Okechukwu

doi:10.56442/rttm.v4i1.125

Authors

Agatha Ujunwa Nnatu Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Emmachika Onyebuchi Lynda Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Ngozi Njideka Okechukwu Nnamdi Azikiwe University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56442/rttm.v4i1.125

Keywords:

digital preservation, open-source software, libraries in the Nigerian universities, ICT infrastructure, challenges in preservation

Abstract

The rapid growth of digital resources in Nigerian university libraries has outpaced the development of effective preservation strategies, leading to challenges such as data loss, technological obsolescence, and limited institutional support. The study used a descriptive survey design to examine perceptions of digital preservation practices, challenges, and open source software adoption in Nigerian university libraries. The area of study covered selected Nigerian universities. The population comprised librarians and Library and Information Science students. A sample of sixty five respondents (23 males, 42 females) was selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire measured on a four point Likert scale. The instrument was validated by experts and showed acceptable reliability (Cronbach alpha = 0.78). Data collection was conducted online via Google Form. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were used for data analysis. The findings show minor gender based variations in digital preservation practices, challenges, capacity, and tool usage in Nigerian university libraries. Females slightly rated formal policies (3.40), standardized formats (3.38), and backups (1.95) higher than males (3.26, 3.30, 1.57), while males perceived routine checks more positively (2.30). Major problems in both sexes consist of lack of good ICT infrastructure (3.35 3.40) and lack of funding (2.98 3.22). Women viewed greater ability to adopt open-source software (3.48) and familiarity with other tools like DSpace (2.60). The results of ANOVA in all hypotheses showed a statistically significant finding of no gender differences (p>0.05). Based on this, the research concludes that digital preservations in Nigerian university libraries are limited by the lack of finances, infrastructure, and expertise. Intense institutional backing, intensified employee development, improved information and technology infrastructure, and the implementation of tailored open-source preservation systems therefore become fundamental corrective interventions

References

Abdullahi, A., Amao, M. A., & Abubakar, U. (2024). Digital preservation practices in academic libraries in Nigeria. International Journal of Education and Evaluation (IJEE). Vol 10. No. 4. 465- 473.

Adam, U. A., & Kiran, K. (2021). Driving forces behind the management of Institutional Repositories: Qualitative evidences. Malaysian Journal of Library and Information Science, 26(3), 33-56.

Ahammad, N., Saiful Bahri, F. D., & Husaini, H. (2024). Exploring the open-source impact on Bangladesh academic library service sustainability. Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, 22(4), 478-493.

Anakpua, B.C., Inweregbuh, O.C., Odimkpa, C.O., Enemuo, C.J., Ofozoba, C.A., Isidi, P.A., Muogbo, U.F., Nnalue, O.H., Obiadazie, R.E. and Okudo, O.C., (2025). Enhancing STEM Education Through AI-Driven Service-Learning: Fostering Student Understanding of Nanotechnology-Based Green Materials For Sustainability. International Journal of Environmental Sciences, 11(20s), p.2025.

Archivematica. (2025). Open source digital preservation system. Retrieved 17/01/25 from https://www.archivematica.org/en/

David, I., Latifaj, M., Pietron, J., Zhang, W., Ciccozzi, F., Malavolta, I., Raschke, A., Steghöfer, J.P. and Hebig, R., 2023. Blended modeling in commercial and open-source model-driven software engineering tools: A systematic study. Software and Systems Modeling, 22(1), pp.415-447.

DSpace. (2025). Build an open digital repository. Retrieved 17/01/25 from https://dspace.org

Enemuo, C. J., & Muogbo, U. F. (2023). Extent of awareness and adoption of zoom technology in teaching and learning among lecturers’ in colleges of education, Anambra state. Int'l Journal of Education Research and Scientific Development, 2(2), 12-12.

Enemuo, C. J., Muogbo, U. F., & Adigwe, I. P. (2025). Extent of computer literacy among junior secondary school students in computer studies in Ebonyi State. IRASS Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 2(4), 32–41.

Ezema, I. J., & Eze, J. U. (2024). Status and challenges of institutional repositories in university libraries in South-East Nigeria: Implications for visibility and ranking of Nigerian universities. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 50(2), 102834.

Gür, D., & Türel, Y. K. (2022). Parenting in the digital age: Attitudes, controls and limitations regarding children's use of ICT. Computers & Education, 183, 104504.

LOCKSS (2025). Lots Of Copies Keep Stuff Safe.. Retrieved 17/01/25 from https://www.lockss.org/

Makinde, E. T., Obanigwe, J. I., Otaiku, C. O., & Tyoyila, S. B. (2025). Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) driven security measures in library systems. Journal of Library Services and Technologies, 7(2), 142-153.

Masenya, T. M., & Ngulube, P. (2020). Factors that influence digital preservation sustainability in academic libraries in South Africa. South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science, 86(1), 52-63.

Muogbo, U. F., & Nnoli, J. N. (2025). Negative influence of ICT on academic performance of junior secondary school students in Nnewi North LGA of Anambra State. Unizik Journal of STM, 8(2).

Muogbo, U. F., & Obiefoka, A. O. (2022). Impact of information and communication technology on entrepreneurial opportunities among secondary school students in Anambra State. International Journal of Advanced Academic & Educational Research, 1.

Okafor, C.F., Enemuo, C.J., Anakpua, B.C., Muogbo, U.F., Okpara, B.A., Francis-Mario, C. and Umezulike, F.O., (2023). Blended Learning for Enhancing Mathematics Retention and Conceptual Understanding: Implications for STEM Teachers. Nanotechnology Perceptions, 19.

Oladotun, A. P., Aliyu, A., & Jega, A. M. (2023). Perspectives in Preservation of Digital Materials in Libraries: Skills and Competencies. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 7(6), 1096-1101.

Omoju, O. J., & Omotayo, F. O. (2024). Digital Preservation Practices in Federal University Libraries in Southwestern Nigeria. retrieved 17/01/26 from https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?params=/context/libphilprac/article/15699/&path_info=OMOJU___OMOTAYO_2024___Digital_preservation_practices.pdf

Oyelude, A. A., & Alonge, A. J. (2023). Teaching digital preservation and curation in LIS schools in Nigeria. IFLA Publications. Retrieved 17/01/2026 from https://repository.ifla.org/items/f2289036-a2c2-4aa7-ac4c-5e1c4d6effad/full

Price-Whelan, A.M., Lim, P.L., Earl, N., Starkman, N., Bradley, L., Shupe, D.L., Patil, A.A., Corrales, L., Brasseur, C.E., Nöthe, M. and Donath, A., 2022. The Astropy Project: sustaining and growing a community-oriented open-source project and the latest major release (v5. 0) of the core package. The Astrophysical Journal, 935(2), p.167.

Rhima, T. E. (2023). Preservation of Digital Information Resources in Selected University Libraries in Delta State, Nigeria. Communicate: Journal of Library and Information Science, 25(2), 187-205..

Sambo, A. S., Urhefe, E. A., & Ejitagha, S. (2017). A survey of digital preservation challenges in Nigerian libraries: Librarians' perspectives. International Journal of Digital Curation, 12(1), 117-128.