Disaster Planning and Preparedness in Libraries at the Kenya Methodist University (KEMU)

Abstract

In the current age, no institution or organization can be excluded from or is immune to a disaster. Library disaster planning and preparedness is a matter of basic security for libraries, their staff and their collections. However, disaster preparedness and planning has not been fully embraced in libraries today, Kenya Methodist University library being not an exemption. The aim of this study is to investigate disaster planning and preparedness at the Kenya Methodist University Library and make appropriate recommendations to strengthen disaster planning and preparedness. Specific objectives include: conducting a business process analysis of KeMU library; Ascertaining existing disaster planning and preparedness strategies at the KeMU library for information materials; Identifying physical facilities and practice in place for mitigation of disasters for information resources, property and people; Establishing capacity building levels for KeMU Library staff with regard to disaster planning and preparedness; and making appropriate recommendations to strengthen disaster planning and preparedness in the KeMU library. The study is informed by the Australian and New Zealand risk management model developed in 2004. The population sample constituted 32 members of staff to whom interviews were conducted. The main data collection method used was face-to-face interview. Qualitative approaches were used to analyze, present and interpret data and the analysis of data was done thematically. Among the key findings of the study are that: there is no clear disaster planning and preparedness policy at the KeMU library, the KeMU library staff are not adequately trained on all forms of disaster in a library; most library buildings in KeMU are not in conformation with the standards of a library; not all library staffs have undergone training in disaster management; the university lack proper disaster management on electronic information materials and KeMU libraries lacks consistent fire drills. The study provides several recommendations that would improve the current state of disaster planning and preparedness at the KeMU libraries and these include: The Library department needs to have policies and procedures in place for disaster management; the university should construct library specific buildings; the Library Department in conjunction with the Security and Operations Department should conduct fire drills consistently within the premises; the Library Department should conduct frequent training on disaster management to all library staff; the library should train staff on protection of electronic information materials on all causes of disasters and the library department should also ensure that staffs are trained to deal with acts of war and terrorism.