Disaster Preparedness Plan and Response Strategy as a Panacea for Effective Information Resources Preservation in University Libraries in North East, Nigeria.

Authors

Suleiman Abdullahi, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.Follow
V N. Nwachuku Prof., University of Nigeria - NsukkaFollow
Aliyu Isyaku Ahmad, Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno StateFollow

Date of this Version

Summer 1-31-2022

Comments

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Abstract

The objective of the study is to determine the types of disaster preparedness plan and response strategy in university libraries in North East, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The study covers university libraries in North East, Nigeria. Questionnaires were used to elicit data from the respondents. The population of the study comprised of university libraries in the six states in the North East zone of Nigeria such as; Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states. The researchers employed a purposive sampling technique in selecting the university libraries. 215 copies of the questionnaires were distributed to the respondents; 200 copies of the Questionnaire were retrieved representing 93% response rate. The data collected from the respondents were analysed using simple percentage and frequency count. The study revealed that the types of disaster preparedness plan in university libraries in North East, Nigeria are; creating and updating contingency plans, insurance of library collections, identifying alternative storage sites and providing adequate fire protection apparatus. The study also identified response measures as a panacea for effective information resources preservation such as; taking emergency response activities, production and documentation of disaster plan, up-to-date keeping of disaster plan and establishing of disaster response team. The study recommended that all university libraries in North East, Nigeria should ensure constant surveillance of their library stocks to identify any damaged materials, all university library buildings in North East, Nigeria should provide emergency exit doors, university libraries in the North East, Nigeria, should mount electronic alarm system on their information resources for quick response in an event of any occurrence. The management of the university libraries should educate users on the impact of theft and mutilation of library resources.