An Assessment of Mzuzu University Library after a Fire Disaster

Abstract

This article presents findings of a study that assessed the progress in restoring the Mzuzu University Library which was destroyed by a fire disaster in December 2015. Data were collected from 64 undergraduate students, 18 library staff and an official from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor. Interview was conducted with the Assistant Librarian (who represented the University Librarian). The study revealed that the interim library (formally a university hall) was almost fully recovered, and was stocked with relevant and current collection. The study established further that students, library staff and the Office of Vice-Chancellor were all satisfied with the progress the University had made in restoring library services. The university had learnt a lesson from the disaster, and it had started regarding the library as an essential part of the university. Inadequate reading space, absence of Internet services for users, and absence of off-campus information services remain the key problems. The study made various recommendations that if implemented could make the library to satisfactorily serve the needs of its users.

Keywords: Disaster Management, Library Fire Disaster, Library Recovery, Malawi, Mzuzu University