Disaster preparedness of university libraries in Nigeria: strategies and challenges

Background of Study: The study examined the state of disaster preparedness in South-South Nigerian university libraries. University libraries play a crucial role in supporting academic activities, and ensuring their continuity during and after disaster is essential. However, the study indicates that South-South Nigerian university libraries lack proper disaster mitigation plans, making them ill-equipped to handle disaster effectively. Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the strategies and challenges associated with disaster preparedness in South-South Nigerian university libraries. Specifically, it sought to address four research questions related to the available disaster preparedness tools, the librarians’ experience in using these tools, the challenges faced in disaster preparedness, and the strategies needed to improve disaster preparedness in these libraries. Method: The study employed a descriptive survey research approach. The sample consisted of 234 librarians working in South-South Nigerian university libraries, and the entire population was surveyed using the census sampling technique. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire administered in person, and 218 out of the 234 questionnaires were deemed sufficient for the analysis, resulting in a 93% return rate. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the data. Findings: The findings revealed that the most common disaster preparedness tools found in the university libraries were fire extinguishers, sand buckets, insect and rodent repellants, thunder arrestors, and anti-virus and spyware software. However, the librarians generally lacked experience in using these tools for disaster mitigation. The main challenges faced by the university libraries in disaster preparedness included the absence of a disaster management strategy or plan, insufficient funding for disaster preparation and management, and a lack of expertise in using disaster mitigation equipment. Conclusion: The study concluded that South-South Nigerian university libraries are ill-prepared to handle disasters due to the lack of proper disaster mitigation plans and the inadequacy of disaster preparedness tools and equipment. The study suggested that university libraries should allocate funding for disaster management, acquire the necessary equipment for disaster mitigation, and provide training to staff and users on disaster preparedness, mitigation, and management.