Abstract
This study assessed Technology mediated security practices for control of theft and
mutilation of library resources in Polytechnics in Abia state. The study adopted a
descriptive survey research design. All the 21 staff (Professionals, Para-professionals
and support staff) that works in the three polytechnic libraries in Abia state (Abia state
Polytechnic library, Temple Gate polytechnic, Covenant Polytechnic) was used for the
study. Hence census sampling was used since there was no sampling. The instrument
for data collection was a 16-item researcher-developed questionnaire using Mean and
standard deviation to answer the research questions raised for the study. The findings
showed among others that the ways by which library resources are being stolen and
mutilated include: removing the jacket cover of the resources, hiding them inside the
exercise books. It was also found that the only emerging technologies used for security
purposes in Polytechnic libraries in Abia state is library identification cards while
others such as Radio frequency identification (RFID), Bio metric system, among others
are not used for security purposes in Polytechnic libraries in Abia state. Based on the
findings, it was recommended that Polytechnic administrations should map out
adequate funds to procure and install relevant technologies that should be used in
securing library resources against theft and mutilations.
Publication Date: 2026-02-05