Role of Library and Information Centres In Disaster Management

The present paper highlights the importance of library and information centres in managing a disaster or any emergency. The main thrust of the paper is to explore the possible roles that the library professionals may assume in case of disasters besides their regular or routine jobs. The concept of disaster management, types of man- made and natural disasters have also been discussed in detail. The paper discusses library professionals’ role in managing the emergencies for the local community in particular and for the library and information centres in general. Various components of information and communication technology helpful in the reduction of damage by natural disaster have also been discussed. It also briefly mentions the initiatives taken by UNESCO in educating and spreading awareness among people regarding reduction in the impact and affects of any potential disasters or any emergencies. The future vision from the librarian’s point of view in making a disaster reduction plan and making society aware of disasters is also suggested at the end of the paper.