Disaster Management in Health Science College Libraries

Abstract

Preservation of library resources is an integral part of library management. Natural and man-made disasters have destroyed collections, buildings, and equipment and disrupted library services. The concept of disaster management, types of man-made and natural disasters, causes, and phases of disaster management have also been discussed. Examples of the destruction of libraries throughout the world caused by various disasters are also discussed. The present study has been undertaken to investigate disaster preparedness in medical college libraries affiliated with Maharashtra University of Health Sciences. A survey method was employed and a structured questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection. There are thirteen medical college libraries in Nasik City, out of which eleven college libraries responded to the questionnaire. The questions were asked on disaster awareness, disaster preventive measures, and disaster preparedness. The study found that the majority of college libraries have a low possibility of the occurrence of natural or man-made disasters. However preventive measures such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms, data backups, uninterrupted power supply, CCTV, etc. have been taken by libraries. The libraries have not allotted a budget for managing disasters. The library staff needs training to gain adequate knowledge of disaster management. The college libraries need to convince college management authorities to raise the library budget for insurance, maintain the library building, and draft a disaster plan.

Keywords: risk management, disaster management, disaster planning, risk plan, risk preparedness, risk assessment, risk analysis, library security, risk mitigation.