DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND MANAGEMENT IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA: A SURVEY OF MICHAEL OKPARA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, UMUDIKE AND ABIA STATE POLYTECHNIC, ABA.

الملخص

The paper investigated the disaster preparedness and management in academic libraries wit reference to Michael Okpara University of Agriculture university library, Umudike and Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic library, Aba all in Abia State. To achieve the purpose of the study, five objectives were postulated for the study. The study adopted descriptive survey design. Data were collected using questionnaire which were analyzed using frequency and simple percentage. The population of the study were 112 library staff comprising of 99 library staff: 26 Academic staff, 12 library officers, 49 library Assistants and 11 Library Porters from MOUAU and 13 library staff from Ogbonnaya Onu polytechnic, Aba. No sampling was used as the population was considered manageable. Questionnaire of 112 copies were distributed, out of which 105 copies were correctly filled and returned showing a response rate of 93.7%. Data was analyzed using frequency percentages and mean. The findings from the study revealed that there is no disaster policy that should be a guide to its implementation. The most essential tools needed for disaster preparedness and management are lacking in these two institutions due to non - budgetary allocation for disaster preparedness. However, the following recommendations were made to remedy these challenges: provision of disaster preparedness policy; adequate budgetary allocation, effective collaborative activities; regular training of staff; provision of disaster preparedness tools and engagement of institutions’ management on the need for the provision of facilities for disaster management. Library rules and regulations should be regularly reviewed, revised and updated.