Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the level of staff preparedness towards disaster management in public sector university libraries situated in Karachi. Survey research method was adopted for the study. The data collection tool consisted of questionnaires and interviews. This paper is based on the preliminary findings of M.Phil. research “Preservation and Conservation Techniques Adopted by Public Sector University Libraries”. For the interview, a face-to-face interactive session was held between the researcher and the university librarian on issues of Disaster Prevention Management Plan in the Library. There are 9 public sector universities in Karachi, libraries of all 9 universities included in this study. The study was conducted to explore the problems faced by the public sector university libraries during the process of preservation and conservation. It was found that the majority of the libraries investigated lacked formal disaster plans and were generally under-prepared for any potential disasters which may occur. This study provides knowledge about the medium of preservation, lack of trained human resources and funds, training of librarians related to preservation and conservation of library materials are the major hurdles to preserve the library materials in physical form. The study revealed that the libraries were inadequately prepared in facing such a disaster because disaster management plans do not exist among the majority. The study also revealed that libraries have taken some steps for disaster control. Most of the libraries deployed human security guards and installed security cameras beside electronic security system and intruder alarms to protect the library materials from any theft, mutilation and Vandalization.