LIBRARY DISASTER MANAGEMENT: AWARENESS AND PREPAREDNESS AMONG PUBLIC LIBRARIES-A CASE STUDY OF THE STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND RESEARCH CENTRE, KOZHIKODE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34256/Keywords:
disaster planning, Disaster Preparedness, disaster awarenessAbstract
Disaster is an age-old detrimental phenomenon that affects almost everything under the sky. Libraries are not an exception to it and are highly vulnerable to disasters. The destruction of libraries is a phenomenon that can be caused by natural calamities as well as human activities. The impact of these disasters can be minimized or even avoided through some preventive measures. The present study is intended to explore the awareness and preparedness of disaster management among library professionals of the State Public Library and Research Center, Kozhikode. The status of the library building, disaster awareness among library professionals, disaster risk vulnerability, disaster preparedness, and disaster management plans in the concerned library are assessed through questionnaires, personal interviews, and observations to collect the necessary information.18 Questionnaires were distributed among the library professionals. The librarian and the district library council secretary were interviewed to obtain in-depth answers from the administrative side. An observation chart was prepared to assess the level of implementation of disaster management measures. This study reveals a concerning situation where public libraries, authorities, and library professionals are either unaware of disaster management aspects or at least concerned about library disaster management. There is a need to conduct disaster awareness programs as a primary step and improve disaster preparedness in libraries. This paper presents some suggestions to help library professionals understand library disaster management and prepare accordingly.
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