Abstract
This study assessed deviant behaviour among undergraduate users of the Michael Okpara
University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) library, Abia State, Nigeria. Guided by three
research questions, the study examined the most common forms of deviant behaviour, the
factors that predispose students to such behaviour, and the effects of these behaviours on
students and library operations. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and the entire
population of 104 library staff was studied using a census approach. Data were collected
with a structured questionnaire (Assessment of Deviant Behaviour in Academic Libraries
Questionnaire, ADBALQ) and analysed using mean scores on a four-point scale, with a
criterion mean of 2.50. Findings showed that misuse of computers, loitering, stealing of
library materials, mutilation of materials, and noise-making were the most prevalent
deviant behaviours. Key predisposing factors included the perception of a low likelihood of
being caught or punished, peer influence, porous security, poor illumination, and
inadequate staffing. The behaviours were found to negatively affect sustainable library
growth, damage materials, frustrate staff efforts, limit users' learning and research
potential, and reduce overall service quality. The study concludes that deviant behaviour
remains a significant challenge to library service delivery at MOUAU and recommends
strengthened security infrastructure, consistent enforcement of library policy, and
sustained user education as priority interventions.
Keywords: deviant behaviour, academic libraries, library security, user education, Michael
Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria
Publication Date: 2026-10-30