The awareness of disaster management among the library staff of university libraries: A case study based on the staff of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura Library in Sri Lanka

Abstract

A disaster is an unpredicted incident that puts every resource in any institution, including libraries, at risk. At present the library is fully automated and provides printed resources, e-resources, etc. to fulfill the information needs of users. The objective of the study is to explore the awareness of disaster management among the library staff. The study used the descriptive survey research method. The sample size was 62, and the population was the University of Sri Jayewardenepura library staff. Sixty-two copies of the questionnaire were disseminated, and 56 (90.32%) of the completed copies were received. The study analyzed all 56 responses. The interviews were semistructured and conducted using the purposive sample technique. Out of the 56 respondents, only 6 were selected for the interview based on the purposive sampling method. The study concludes that the library staff members are very aware of the disasters 49 (87.50%) and damage 40 (71.43%) that occurred due to the disasters in the library. The library staff members lack awareness of disaster management in the library 38 (67.86%). It is further revealed that the library staff members do not know how to use library disaster management equipment in disaster situations. The study recommended that the library organize awareness programs on disaster management for the library staff. The study also suggested that the library staff should be trained on how to use library disaster management equipment and emergency response through the appropriate disaster management courses.