Disaster preparedness of libraries

Abstract

The importance of disaster management plans for library staff rests on their effective and efficient utilization to confront library-related disasters. This study seeks to evaluate the preparedness of Ghanaian polytechnic libraries towards disasters, with respect to measures put in place. Based largely on a qualitative approach, the study interviewed five head librarians and 25 other staff members of selected polytechnics, who were chosen using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Data was analysed using interpretative techniques. The results showed general absence of security policies and disaster plans. Polytechnic libraries were found to be ill-prepared with respect to disasters. Therefore, it is recommended that libraries develop policies for disaster management, organise training programs for staff in order to increase their awareness about disasters and be involved in cooperative networks.

Business continuity and disaster recovery in Ghana–a literature review

“…A general observation from the various key literature reviewed was the near absence of disaster management plans in Ghana. Utilising interviews, Ahenkorah-Marfo and Borteye (2010) and Ayoung et al (2015) were more specific on the matter of near absence of disaster management plans especially as it concerned socio-economic revival post-disasters. They went further by investigating the disaster management knowledge of the participants which was found to be non-existent.…”

“…The outcome pointed to the fact that business continuity and disaster recovery was not a priority for the organisation. Though the studies of Ahenkorah-Marfo and Borteye (2010) and Ayoung et al (2015) focused on educational institutions, the poor disaster knowledge phenomenon was also seen in the studies of Cobbinah et al (2019) and Glago (2019).…”

“…The staff were not trained on how to manage or prevent disasters, no disaster control nor disaster management team. A similar study by Ayoung et al (2015) on selected polytechnic libraries in Ghana reveals that these institutions do not have any proper measure in place to survive or prevent disasters. The staff did not see the need for a disaster plan because they had never received training to appreciate the benefits of being disaster resilient.…”

When a disaster strikes: Are libraries in the Philippines ready?

“…Consequently, these underfunded libraries are likely to suffer more damage when disasters strike due to their limited budget allocations and unfortunate location in disaster-prone areas, making them vulnerable at all times. This limited funding has similarly impacted the disaster preparedness and management programmes of libraries in Negros Oriental (Abequibel and Caballero, 2019), Panay Island (Superio, Alayon and Oliveros, 2019), Marawi City (Superio, Abaday, Oliveros et al, 2019) and even Ghana (Ayoung et al, 2016), India (Kaur, 2009) and South Africa (Ngulube and Magazi, 2006).…”

“…Supportive management controls the necessary financial resources and personnel to establish a DMP and plays a crucial role in disaster recovery (Tweedale and Harrison, 1998). Libraries in various countries have failed in disaster preparedness due to inadequate management support (Abareh et al, 2021;Aburuki, 2016;Ayoung et al, 2016;Ilo et al, 2020;Kaur, 2009;Kostagiolas et al, 2011;Tosun and Bostan, 2022). Thus, the literature suggests that effective disaster preparedness depends on factors including robust library buildings, a functional DMP, well-trained staff and strong management support (Adams et al, 2022;Superio, Abaday, Oliveros et al, 2019).…”