SECURITY OF LIBRARY COLLECTION: A STUDY OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIES OF GANDHINAGAR.

University libraries face a number of challenges concerning the security of library collection. In order to study the issues related to security of library collections, a survey was conducted in University libraries located in Gandhinagar, which is an emerging knowledge of Gujarat. This objective of the study was to assess the security challenges in regard to theft/mutilation/loss of books in libraries. Library Security is a broad term which encompasses various aspects such as natural disaster/Man-made security and technical security. However the scope of this study is focused to Man-made characteristic along with highlighting the significance of technical and physical infrastructure in library security. This paper attempts to highlight the implementation of collection security management system as a viable option to protect against library theft/mutilation. The security management system must include policy formulation/implementation, capacity building/training of library staff, and most importantly awareness among the library stakeholders/users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]