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.
