MUTILATION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS AND ITS IMPACT ON TEACHING, LEARNING AND RESEARCH IN SELECTED ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN TANZANIA

The broad objective of this study was to investigate the magnitude of mutilations in academic libraries in Tanzania and its impact on teaching, learning and research with specific reference to the Universities of Dar es Salaam and Sokoine. Specific objectives were to identify causes of mutilation, types of highly mutilated materials and how this impacts teaching, learning and research. Lastly to recommend measures that would prevent library mutilations. Methodologically, this was a qualitative study. Data for this study were collected using a combination of techniques namely; observations, face-to-face interviews and using a questionnaire with open and close ended questions. One hundred and ten respondents participated in this study. These were drawn from library students, academic staff and library staff.