Research article · 2026
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND SECURITY MANAGEMENT AS FACTORS INFLUENCING ADEQUATE PRESERVATION OF LIBRARY RESOURCES AMONG ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN OYO TOWN
Abstract
Purpose: Academic libraries are faced with natural and man-made disasters that can affect service delivery and loss of life to staff and patrons. This study was undertaken to discuss the disaster preparedness and security management practices to be observed and maintained by academic libraries in Oyo town and identifies the enabling factors towards the successful management of the experienced or occurred disasters. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted using descriptive research survey method with a population of 75 librarians including Heads of Libraries drawn across four tertiary institutions in Oyo town. Using total enumeration sampling technique due to the small size of the population. Findings: The findings showed that academic libraries in Oyo town were affected by floods, digital disaster server crash, wind storms, roof damage, roof leakage, no insurance coverage for staff/ resources, pest infestation, vandalism, theft, unkempt library environment, dirty shelves, dust gathering on the books, poor maintenance culture, poor library accommodation, rodents, reptiles, power surge from poor electrical installation, data corruption by virus, software loss, effect of COVID-19 pandemic. The disaster preparedness and security management practices employed includes: risk assessment, emergency response planning, staff training, collection protection, print and digital preservation, backup and recovery, communication and outreach, collaboration and partnerships. While the enabling and disabling factors were funding, awareness, infrastructure, staffing and collaboration. Originality/Value: The authors recommended that academic libraries in Oyo town should have disaster preparedness plans, collaborate and establish partnerships, invest in technology and infrastructure, train both staff and users on dealing with disasters and insure the library buildings and collections. This helps to secure all assets that constitute the library. The study would inform academic library administrators, policy makers, and disaster management professionals in academic institutions about effective strategies that can be used to deal with disasters.
Keywords
Disaster, preparedness, security, management, preservation, library resources, academic libraries.
Download the PDF if the journal has made the file available.