Museums, Libraries and Archives: Collaborating for the Preservation of Heritage Materials in Nigeria

Preservation of heritage materials constitutes a big challenge to heritage institutions in Africa. The challenge of heritage preservation in the tropics seems to be overwhelming due to a number of factors which include the harsh tropical environment, absence of a preservation policy and general lack of preservation awareness and appreciation of the importance and sensitivity of heritage materials. The strategic role of preservation to the survival of and long term access to heritage materials cannot be over-emphasised. It not only prevents or delays deterioration but also ensures access. “Without preservation, access becomes impossible and collections will decay and disintegrate” (Drijfhout, 2001). The greatest obstacle to access is deterioration or loss of collection.National heritage institutions such as the National Library, the National Archives and the National Museums are in the forefront in the preservation of heritage materials in Nigeria.