ABSTRACT

This study investigated some deviant behaviour and their effects on library operations in academic libraries in Akwa Ibom State. A sample of registered library users down from the population 9,250 was used for the study. Selection of the sample was done by stratified random sampling techniques while the survey research design was used. A 30- item question, pilot tested/ validated was the instrument used for data collection. Five hypotheses were tested using population t-test statistical technique at 05 alpha levels. The major finds of the study revealed that withholding of library materials beyond due dates does not have significant effect on reference services. Secondly, defacing and hiding of library materials in between shelves in libraries, have significant effects on shelving services, and book use within libraries. Thirdly also, book mutilation was found to have significant effects on lending and photocopying services. The study recommends among other, the provision of photocopying services in every unit of the reader services at minimal cast. This could reduce the rate of mutilation. Daily/regular shelf reading of all shelves in the library by library staff would check hiding  of books in-between shelves. Routine checks and imposition of fines on users could discourage deviant behaviours in libraries.