Disaster Mitigation and Response in Kenyan Libraries

Abstract

The prevalence of disasters which devastate world economies call foe serious disaster mitigation and response in libraries which are usually characterised by low funding and budgetary allocations. Libraries collect and harness a lot of resources for their users on daily basis. This information is very vital to the fulfilment of the university vision and mission of teaching and research. Disaster mitigation in university libraries would ensure continued provision of services or immediate resumption of services after a disaster. The study investigated the level of disaster mitigation and response in university libraries in Kenya. Specifically, it established the importance of disaster mitigation and response in libraries. The study was based on the contingency approach theory which emphasises on the activities to be put in place as disaster mitigatory factors. The study covered twelve university libraries in Kenya, six public and six private. The study population included university librarians and their staff. Data was collected using observation, interview and questionnaire tools of data gathering. The study found out that disaster mitigation is not a priority in the libraries. There were low disaster mitigation and response facilities in the libraries studied. The study recommends that disaster support systems and mitigation measures be prioritised