Library Disasters in Developing Countries: A Literature Review of Experiences and Way Forward

Abstract

Disaster management has been a subject of interest to libraries and librarians, because of its implications for disaster preparedness and control. This paper is a review of literature on disasters experienced by libraries in some developing nations, with a view to discovering workable solutions that would help to either prevent or manage future occurrences. It examined library disasters in Egypt, Philippines, Nepal, Jamaica, Nigeria and Malawi among others. The paper observed that the initial response of the affected libraries to these disasters was poor. It therefore advocated for the need for disaster plan and preparedness among libraries and librarians in developing countries. It further suggested the following as the way forward – conduct of risk assessment, formulation of disaster plan and policies, mitigation, quick response to disaster and workable recovery plan among others. As a result of this research, it was concluded that disasters would be prevented and better managed in libraries if these precautions and recommendations are implemented.