An investigation on disaster preparedness and mitigation for computer based information systems in selected University libraries in Kenya
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Date
2014
Authors
Njoroge, Rose Wambui
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Abstract
This study was carried out at a time when the introduction of Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) in higher institutions of learning had become a
key issue for service delivery. The introduction of e-learning and hence the need to
provide access to information for learning, teaching and research had necessitated
academic libraries to incorporate Information Technology (IT) to facilitate efficient
and effective operations of the library. IT has seen the introduction of computerbased
information systems (CBIS) in the libraries. The study aimed to investigate the
status of disaster preparedness and mitigation for CBIS in libraries. To achieve this, it
sought to find out threats affecting CBIS, established disaster preparedness and
mitigation measures, find out personnel involved in disaster preparedness and
mitigation, assess policies and programmes on issues addressed on disaster
preparedness and mitigation and finally the challenges faced by university libraries
which may CBIS. The study was carried out in selected academic libraries in Kenya.
These included two public and two chartered private universities within Nairobi
County and its neighbouring counties (Kiambu, Machakos and Kajiado). The study
respondents included university librarians, deputy university librarians, ICT directors,
information systems librarians, ICT technicians working in the libraries and
circulation librarians. A total of 26 participants were expected to participate in the
study. However, only 19 were eventually interviewed. Relevant data was collected
from the respondents using several methods which included observation, interviews,
document reviews and audio-visual aids. The collected data was coded, analyzed,
interpreted and presented using qualitative methods. This entailed coming up with
themes, coding the themes and writing narratives for the findings and drawing
conclusions. Data was presented using tables, graphs, charts and plates. The findings
revealed that libraries had taken several measures to protect their CBIS. The
researcher noted that only basic measures had been incorporated and the personnel in
charge of CBIS had varied levels of training which influenced the methods used to
secure CBIS. Top management of the institutions studied were not fully aware of the
dangers CBIS were exposed to and relied heavily on the advice given to them by ICT
personnel. Three of the institutions studied had not developed policies and
programmes pertaining to disaster management for CBIS. There were a myriad of
challenges experienced in a bid to mitigate and prepare for disaster that could affect
CBIS such as vandalism, lack of cooperation by various departments, lack of funding,
inadequate qualified staff to deal with CBIS, among many others. The study came up
with several recommendations on education and training, disaster management policy
development, training programmes and plans development, establishment of data
recovery centres for CBIS, cooperation and partnership with other stakeholders,
provision of adequate funding for CBIS infrastructure among many others. Further
research was recommended on CBIS business continuity planning in universities in
Kenya.
Description
Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) Department of Library and Information Science. 168p. September, 2014. HV 551.2 .N52