Disaster Management in Libraries and Information Centers:
Strategy & Practices
Dr. Harish ChandraLibrarian
Indian Institute of Technology Madraswww.harishchandra.com
WHO Definition
Disaster as any occurrence that causes damage, destruction, ecological disruption, loss of human life, human suffering, deterioration of health and health services on a scale sufficient to warrant an extraordinary response from outside the affected community or area.
Paul Eden and Graham Matthews
Define a “disaster” as any incident which threatens human safety and/or damages, or threatens to damage, a library’s buildings, collections (or item(s) therein), equipment and systems. Fire (for example, started by arson or an electrical fault) They also indicate that a disaster can have many causes (man-made or natural) including the followings given in next slide
Causes
Water (for example, burst pipes or heavy rain leading to flooding)
Poor storage and environmental conditions (for example, damp leading to mould growth)
Inadequate security leading to break-ins and theft
Poorly maintained buildings
Kelman, I. and S. Pooley
Natural DisastersFloodingHurricanesBlizzardsStormsLand slides, etc
Kelman, I. and S. Pooley
Human DisastersTheft and criminal damage FireDeath/poor health/general sicknessContaminationWar/conflict/terrorismWorkplace violence, etc
Kelman, I. and S. Pooley
Technical DisastersPower cutsBreak down of computer networksGas leaksCommunication failureCooling/heating/ventilation system
failure, etc
Objectives
An effective and efficient response to disaster can be achieved by a good disaster planning strategy
To prevent potential disasters To minimize the impact To enhance its capability in preventing,
preparing and responding to disasters effectively and efficiently.
To generate confidence among stakeholders
Importance of Libraries
Enabling forces for learning Libraries Provide an Environment in which
creativity is fostered Center for Creation and Recreation of Academic
Activities Promotes Dissemination of Research Enables Networking Between Researchers A Bridge to 21st Century-Bill Clinton Heart of an Academic Institution Repository of Culture & Society
Stakeholders
Librarians Archivists Insurance officers Heritage organizations Disaster recovery agencies Books Preservation Expert Fire service officials Security Officials Earthquake Engineering Experts Architects and Interior Designers Electrical and Civil Engineering Experts
Capacity Building
Aims and objectivesTargeting trainingContentMethods of deliveryOutcomes and evaluationFinancial and other resourcing implicationsTraining aids and materials
Practices at IIT Madras
We have various UPSs to cater the uninterrupted power supply to various library activities like two 05 KVA UPS in the basement area where we expect water during heavy rain, therefore before entry to UPS Room, we have created raised platform and also inside UPS Room just to doubly ensure that water does not affect the UPS
Fire Alarm System A fire alarm system has been installed in the
Central Library on each level so that any type of smoke is detected. It is also stated that designated staff has been identified in the Central Library, Security and Engineering Sections to handle Fire Alarm successfully. Periodically drills are also arranged
Water Bail Out System
Firefighting Water Arrangement
Electronic Security System
Display of Guidlines
Single Switch Control
Other Major Initiatives
Stacking PrecautionsTermite TreatmentDisplay of Guidelines for How to use Fire
ExtinguishersTraining and Awareness CampaignFull scale Mock Drill
Other Major Initiatives
Daily Twice Monitoring and ReviewConnectivity and InteractionEarthquake and Thunder TreatmentSpecial and Wide StaircasesNoise and Pollution Check by Expert
Agencies
Asian Disaster Reduction Center http://www.adrc.asia/ Center for Disaster Management (
http://www.cendim.boun.edu.tr/) Corporate Disaster Resource Network
http://www.cdrn.org.in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).at http://www.fema.gov/hazard/chemical/household.shtm
India Disaster Resource Network (IDRN) http://www.idrn.gov.in/
Agencies
International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (http://www.unisdr.org/index.php)
National Institute of Disaster Management ( http://www.nidm.net/index.htm)
Pacific Disaster Center http://www.pdc.org/iweb/overview.jsp?subg=1
PCI SAARC Disaster Management Center
http://saarc-sdmc.nic.in/index.asp State Disaster Resource Network (SDRN)
http://203.77.202.117/sdrn/index.htm
Cautions
Insurance of Building, Equipments, Collections, Computers
Good drainage and flood proofing system Maintenance of building and resources Training and awareness Carrying out risk assessments Regular inspections of buildings and equipments Identifying and using reliable expert advice
Cautions
Planning for continuity service and storage Prepare a clear, concise document which
outlines preventive and preparatory measures intended to reduce potential risks, and which also provides details of reaction and recovery procedures to be undertaken in the event of a disaster to minimise its effect
Periodic review of the disaster control plan. Inter-agency co-ordination and cooperation
Cautions
Fire safety measuresAvoiding basement in the library buildingOrganisation of periodic mock drilsHouse hold hazardous items which need
to be stored/used/cared very professionally.:
Installation of single switch controlStrengthening coordination & collaboration
among various actors
Cautions
Transparancey in all areas of developmentEffective management reviewAwareness raising and public educationCreating necessary infrastructure for DMUpgrading emergency response
mechanism
Here is the end of my presentation
Let me answer your question if you like
Otherwise Thanks a lot
Dr. Harish Chandra