DISASTER CONTROL MEASURES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN NASARAWA STATE

ABSTRACT

This study set out to examine disaster control measures in academic libraries in Nasarawa State of Nigeria. It was guided by five research questions which sought to identify the types of disaster prevalent in the academic libraries; causes of those disasters; preventing occurrence of disaster in their collections and measures academic libraries would use to cope with disasters if it eventually occurred. The study was a descriptive survey of five academic libraries in Nasarawa State. The total population from all the five academic libraries respondents are forty seven (47) and the whole population was used for the study. Data was generated using questionnaires administered on the Librarians and library officers in five academic libraries. Simply frequency tables and percentages were used for data presentation. The major findings of the study were as follows: the greatest damage to collections was from theft, followed by mutilation of libraries materials, water incidence, insect attack, and rodents; invasion. There had never been any fire incidence, non deterioration of audio-visual materials and any form of earthquakes in any academic library in the State. Most libraries were not very ready to cope with disaster since most did not have any comprehensive disaster plan, did not ensured there collection, only few that collaborate with essential service departments. The following recommendations were made based on the findings: staff should intensify surveillance of reading areas and carrels particular towards the close of library hours. Electronic theft detection devices should be installed library administrators should ensure that libraries have comprehensive disaster plans. Each of the libraries should have members of disaster reaction team. They will be charged with the responsibility of taking care of the library if   disaster occurs, and the staff must be well trained in areas of preventing and controlling of disaster. There should be collaboration between the library and essential services like fire service, security and telephone service. The library and its holdings should be adequately insured.