Availability of Disaster Preventive, Response and Recovery measures for Disaster preparedness in academic libraries: An appraisal of some selected academic libraries in Gusau metropolis, Nigeria

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the availability of disaster equipment and measures for disaster prevention, response and recovery in some selected academic libraries in Gusau metropolis, Zamfara State, Nigeria. Survey research method was adopted for the study using questionnaire as the research instrument. 86 copies of the questionnaires were systematically distributed across the four selected academic libraries in the city and out of which 82 copies (95.34%) were filled, returned and found suitable for use. Thus, the data collected using the questionnaire were analysed using tables, frequency and percentage. The results of the analyzed data shows that thunder arrestor is the disaster prevention equipment with highest rate in the libraries 25 (30.4). this was closely followed by smoke detectors 24 (29.2) for detecting early sign of fire disaster; warning alarm systems 22 (26.8) for alerting any impending situation. Building inspection measures and other equipment such as photocopy machines and antiviruses software recorded 5(6.09) and 6(7.31) respectively. Close circuit television and disaster plan were absent in the libraries as they recorded no responses. the results also revealed that fire extinguishers and clearly marked exit doors are the equipment and measures available in all the libraries for disasters response as the items recorded maximum responses 82 (100%) each. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the availability of communication gadgets for effective communication during disaster as 34 (41.46%) respondents recorded that they are not aware of the existence of the gadgets. Evacuation team 2 (2.43%), water hose 9 (10.97%) and disaster fighting team 20 (24.39%) are equipment and measures with least availability in the libraries. Moreover, the results show that mops 82 (100%) and segregation technique 70(85.36%) are the two dominant measures of disaster recovery. Other measures and equipment were conspicuously absent in the libraries as all the respondents 82 (100%) indicated. Finally, majority of respondents 40 (48.78%) strongly agreed that inadequate funding constitute a major constraint to disaster preparedness in the libraries. Other impediments as indicated by the respondents were lack of interest on the part of staff 46 (56.09%); lack of interest on the part of librarian 42 (51.21%). However, majority of respondents 46 (56.09%) and 42 (51.21%) and strongly disagree that environmental condition and poor library condition affect their disaster preparedness in the libraries. It was therefore recommended among other that the libraries should sensitize their staff and users on the roles they could play in disaster preparedness in addition to need for training the staff on regular basis on handling disaster equipment. Modern equipment for disaster prevention, response and recovery should be provided by the libraries. The libraries should also plan for other sources of funding to enable them acquire and maintain best equipment for disaster prevention, response and recovery.