Preserving knowledge assets: Guiding libraries for disaster risk reduction Pandey Parbati1,**, Madhusudhan Margam2,* 1Assistant Professor, Central Department of Library and Information Science, Tribhuvan University, Nepal 2Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007 *Corresponding author India Email id: mmadhusudhan@libinfosci.du.ac.in
**ppandey@libinfosci.du.ac.in
Online Published on 22 August, 2024. Abstract Libraries, places of knowledge repositories, have confronted insecurity from both natural and man-made disasters. The paper emphasizes disaster management from a library perspective. Its focus is to elucidate various types of disasters, their underlying causes, strategic planning methodologies, necessary skills, essential tools and kits, utilization of Web 2.0 technologies, and the challenges inherent in disaster management in libraries. The study found several challenges faced by libraries during disaster management, such as the lack of a written Disaster Management Plan, the absence of disaster preparedness planning and strategy, no separate budget, inadequate training, poor equipment conditions, lack of emerging technologies to handle skilled workforces, etc. for effective disaster management in libraries. The study recommends that libraries and their authorities actively develop disaster management policies, plans, and strategies. Libraries should digitize their materials and store these digital copies on servers in various geographic areas. Staff should be trained in preservation techniques, life-saving procedures, and equipment handling for disaster incidents. Furthermore, a governmental body should oversee the preparedness of libraries for such emergencies. The limitation of this study is that it is a conceptual study and needs to include advanced disaster management technologies. Top Keywords Disaster management, Categories of disasters, Challenges of disaster management, Libraries, Web 2.0 technologies, Skills and competencies,, LIS professionals. Top |