A disater preparedness programme for information resources at Victoria University Library

Abstract

The project study was about developing a disaster preparedness programme for information resources at Victoria University Library. The objectives were; to identify the types of information resources managed at Victoria University Library, to assess the causes of disasters which threaten information resources in Victoria University Library, to establish the challenges faced in managing disasters that affect information resources at Victoria University Library, to develop a disaster preparedness program for information resources at Victoria University Library. The purposive sampling strategy was used to select 4 library staff who were; Senior Librarian and 3 Assistant Librarians. Qualitative research approach method was used for data collection and the methods used to carry out the study where observation, questionnaire and data analysis method. Data presentation was done using tables. The findings of the study revealed the following as the types of information resources at Victoria University Library; journals, magazines, books, newspapers and compact discs. The Library also subscribes to online resources for its users. The findings of the study revealed the following as the types of disasters which are a threat to information resources as fire, natural disasters like earthquakes, lightening, manmade disasters due to poor installation, poor plumbing, location of the library and theft by students. The study supported the development of a disaster preparedness programme for information resources at Victoria University Library which included four elements; prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. The findings of the study revealed the following as the challenges faced in disaster preparedness as inadequate awareness of the library staff on possible disasters, no disaster preparedness policy frame work, negligence, inappropriate design of the library building and inadequate funds.The recommendations of the study were; keeping up to date the disaster preparedness programme, allocation of more funds, training of library staff on how to use the disaster preparedness equipment’s, inspection of the building and disaster preparedness equipment’s like fire extinguishers, fire detectors if they are still in good shape.