Disaster Awareness and Preparedness in Nigerian Polytechenic Libraries: A Survey

Abstract

The paper examined the disaster awareness and preparedness in Nigerian polytechnic libraries. A survey research design was used for the study. Purposive sampling was used to select one hundred and forty respondents from the library staff which include the academic staff and the non-academic staff. Questionnaire was used as the main instrument for gathering data. Findings revealed that that there is no disaster control plans in the polytechnic libraries under the study and the staff admitted that they were not preparing for disasters. Fire extinguishers were the common disaster equipment available in all the libraries. Lack of fund and disaster control plans were the major constraints facing the staff in creating awareness and preparing for disasters. The paper recommended that polytechnic managements should constitute disasters control committee in all the polytechnic libraries and at the same time disaster control plans should be made compulsory in all the polytechnic libraries as part of their working document.

Public libraries and crisis management: Iranian public libraries and the dust crisis

“…This is reflected by Jaeger et al (2006) who found that the most important service of libraries provided during crisis is the provision of internet access for information sharing. Owolabi et al (2014) suggested that crisis control programs should be considered obligatory in all polytechnic libraries as part of their agenda.…”

“…There are a number of studies which point to an important role for libraries in sharing information about the crisis on the websites, cooperating with other institutions to provide information, identifying budget constraints, and highlighting gaps in planning. Further, there is an emphasis in several studies on the importance of a written strategic plan of preparedness against disasters, enabling preventive and protective measures, and practical instructions for disaster control and prevention (Aziagba and Edet, 2008; Buchanan, 1998; Kaur, 2009; Owolabi et al, 2014; Rattan, 2013). Likewise, Alajmi (2016) highlighted the issues related to preparedness for crisis management and the resources required.…”

“…However, several studies highlight that many public libraries remain unprepared for crisis. Owolabi et al (2014) investigated the awareness and preparedness of Nigerian polytechnic libraries in pre-crisis conditions. The findings revealed a lack of any solid crisis control program in polytechnic universities in Nigeria and a lack of staff preparedness to confront natural disasters, mainly due to budget deficiencies.…”

Public libraries in danger: an investigation into disaster management readiness among public libraries in North West Nigeria

“…also observed lack of basic disaster management facilities in University of Calabar, Cross River State of Nigeria Choji (2014). repoted that there were inadeqaute major disaster management facilities in academic libraries in Plateau State Owolabi, Lawal, Olukayode, Pelemo & Odenigbo (2014). study discovered that many libraries in Nigeria do not have disaster facilities and common facilities readily available in major libraries in Nigeria were fire extinguishers Issa, Aliyu, Adedeji, Akangbe (2012).…”