A disaster management plan for child health and development center library

Abstract

Libraries and information centers are the key stakeholders of information, these hold information in various categories both print and electronic which is prone to various kinds of disasters either man-made, technical or natural hazards. The study therefore aimed at designing a disaster management plan for CHDC library located in Mulago with the objective of examining the existing disaster management practices within the CHDC; to assess the current levels of disaster preparedness at the CHDC; to identify the gaps in response mechanism and challenges encountered by CHDC in preparing for disasters and to elaborate a disaster management plan for the CHDC. The study used Krejcies and Morgan (1970) sample table to estimate the sample population of which only 28 respondents were sampled because of the festive season and corona virus disease that required few individuals in the organization and social distancing. The sampling methods used included both purposive and convenience sampling. The quantitative data collected was coded, analyzed, interpreted and presented using Microsoft Excel and explanatory methods for qualitative data. This entailed coming up with themes and presenting data using tables, graphs and charts. The study findings indicate water and leakages (89%) majorly due to broken pipes and tap, vandalism (71%), Electricity caused disasters (64%) such as short circuits and other disasters (64%) as the major disasters experienced by CHDC library. Research further indicates that CHDC library is currently not fully prepared to handle a variety of disaster such as rodents and cockroaches, fire, water and leakages among others since it lacks a disaster management plan to account and direct the staff in tasks to carry out once a disaster strikes. The gaps identified in response mechanisms to disasters at CHDC majorly included Improper communication 75%, inadequate tools to use 68%, unskilled person on disaster management practices 86%, limited funds 71%, limited staff 82%, absence of a policy framework 61%, improper design and use of building 79%. The proposed disaster management plan for CHDC library includes disaster prevention as the first level, preparedness level, response level and recovery as the final level. The study further provides recommendations which include a list and structure of the disaster response team, education and training of staff on disaster management practices, evacuation procedures and a disaster management plan which requires adequate allocation of funding for extreme disaster management in CHDC library.