Disaster preparedness in information centres in Gaborone, Botswana

Abstract

This study aimed to determine how information centres in Gaborone, Botswana are prepared for disasters. The information centres studied were the Botswana National Library Services, the Botswana National Archives and Records Services, academic libraries, special libraries and records management units in various government ministries and departments. Questionnaire, interviews and personal observations were the main instruments of data collection. The study revealed that information centres in Botswana were ill-prepared for disasters. They lacked disaster preparedness plans, had inadequate policies and procedures, ill-equipped staff on disaster management, and absence of conservation and restoration facilities. The study recommends the formulation of specific disaster plans for all information centres, the training of information centre staff on disaster preparedness, and equipping of information centres with appropriate tools and resources.

African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science Vol. 18 (1) 2008 pp. 63-74