Abstract

Archives and Archival Materials- Archives are collections of records that are preserved permanently because of their enduring cultural, historical, administrative, financial, legal or research value. Archives can also refer to the special institutions where archival materials are stored. Every country has a national archive where documentary heritage of each nation are kept. Archival materials are usually primary source documents that individuals, families, communities, businesses and governmental organizations have accumulated over the years as evidence of past decisions, events or transactions. They may include letters, diaries, annual reports, legal documents, correspondences, manuscripts, books, photographs, paintings, statues, artifacts, drawings, maps, newspapers, pamphlets, plates, magazines, manuscripts, letters, microfilms, audio recordings, audiovisual materials, magnetic tape diskettes or CD-ROMs. Archives are good sources of primary information and valuable resources for research. Library materials on the other hand are the print and non-print materials information resources that have been selected and organized for easy retrieval and use by specific groups of users. Unlike archival materials that are usually not in current use, library collections are meant for current use and may be subject to wear and tear from intensive use. However, both library and archival collections need to be managed so they can continue to serve their reference and evidential functions. Besides, the financial and human resources invested in managing library materials demand that such materials be preserved in the best condition for as long as possible. Thus, preservation and conservation critical functions in library and archive management. In Unegbu, V.E. & Otuza, C.E. (Eds.), Use of Library & Information Resources (pp 191-199). Lagos, Emaphine.