Disaster Preparedness and Management at the National Archives and the National Library of Namibia

Abstract

This paper is based on a study, which investigated whether the National Archives and National Library of Namibia (NANLN) had put into consideration issues of prevention, preparedness, response and recovery in their Disaster Management Plan (The Plan). The study was guided by the disaster management cycle made up of four phases,  namely prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. The population of the study consisted of NANLN management, librarians, archivists, housekeeping staff, security personnel, the accountant and users, as well as personnel from support institutions. Applying purposive sampling technique, 40 respondents were selected to take part in the study. Data collection methods included interviews, focus group discussions, direct observations, and document analysis. The main finding is The Plan lacked most of the major components that make an ideal disaster preparedness plan. The study concluded that the Plan would be ineffective in the event of a disaster as it was incomplete. The recommendations include: staff awareness of the Plan and training; coming up with a comprehensive list of stakeholders and an updated list of contacts; acquisition of emergency supply kits; development of a security management plan; further development and regular reviews of The Plan.

Keywords:  Archives; Disaster management; Disaster planning; Disaster preparedness; Libraries; Namibia