Disaster preparedness and management in academic libraries in Gombe State

This study investigated disaster preparedness and management in academic libraries in Gombe State. A disaster is a serious disruption of the functioning of a society and its institutions, such as universities, colleges, and business organizations. The general objective of the study is to assess the disaster preparedness and management in academic libraries in Gombe State. The study seeks to identify the types of disasters that occurs in academic libraries in Gombe State, determine the availability of disaster preparedness plans in the academic libraries, identify the disaster preparedness facilities and equipment available for mitigation of disaster, identify the disaster prevention strategies employed in the academic libraries and to identify the challenges associated with disaster preparedness in academic libraries in Gombe State. A survey design using a questionnaire was employed for data collection for this study. The population of the study comprises of 10 academic libraries. The findings of the study showed that all respondents universally experienced fire outbreaks, theft, and mutilation. Findings also showed that regular inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment and proper positioning of equipment is a strategy the respondents always adhered to. The study also revealed that fire extinguishers, emergency exit doors, sand buckets, and thunder arresters are available in their libraries. And on the strategies observed in the libraries under study. The findings showed that libraries regularly inspect their buildings and equipment. The findings of the study uncovered that inadequate funding and lack of enforcement of disaster plans are significant challenges. The study concluded that libraries face significant risks from fire, theft, thunderstorms, and windstorms, and while basic disaster equipment is widely available, there are gaps in policy enforcement, timely equipment replacement, and training. Therefore, based on the findings, the research recommends that library management must establish written disaster preparedness policies that are regularly updated and enforced.