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.