Disaster Mitigation and Response in Kenyan Libraries
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Date
2011
Authors
Muthee, D.W.
Otike, J.
Rotich, D.C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Disaster Management and Risk Reduction
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
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Citation
Volume 3: Issue 3, 2011 Int. j. disaster manag. risk. reduct.