Towards Crime Prevention and Control in the Nigerian Library System: Old and New Perspectives

Abstract

This paper incorporates criminological ideas into library science for effective crime prevention and control. Rational choice theory was adopted as a theoretical framework. Perpetrators of library crime usually plan and take precautionary measures as they carry out their operations to avoid detection. Apart from the traditional (primary, secondary and tertiary) crime prevention and control approaches, other strategies were identified, critically discussed and conclusions reached to provide new insights into the ways to combat this problem. This paper recommends hardening common library 'targets' by installing scientific and technologically advanced crime detection devices, application of 're integrative social shame' (disciplinary measure, correction or treatment), and making the structural design of libraries highly crime-discouraging. Although crime is inevitable, availability of these security measures tend to facilitate swift and accurate prediction, detection, prevention and control of crime.