In the line of disaster: preparedness and effective response of academic libraries in Malaysia

 Authors

Mohd Ismail Abidin, K Kiran, Samsul Farid Samsuddin

Publication date

2024/8/9

Journal

Library Management

Publisher

Emerald Publishing Limited

Description

Purpose

This study examines the preparedness and responsiveness of Malaysian academic librarians in handling disruptions in library services during a disaster.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative approach involved semi-structured interviews with decision-makers, chief librarians and library managers from five selected public universities.

Findings

Thematic and qualitative data analysis produced several key themes based on (1) disaster preparedness involving policies, plans, asset protection, risk management, coordination of disaster management and preparative measures; and (2) disaster response involving strategies for information and communication access, community engagement, emergency response teams and procedures, and resource availability.

Practical implications

The findings are expected to be useful for policymakers in formulating policies and guidelines for library disaster …

DOI : https://doi-org.uitm.idm.oclc.org/10.1108/LM-02-2024-0021

Scholar articles

In the line of disaster: preparedness and effective response of academic libraries in Malaysia

MI Abidin, K Kiran, SF Samsuddin - Library Management, 2024

Evidence of Open Science Principles in Library Disaster Management: The Malaysian Academic Library Experience

 Abstract : Many institutions struggle to create effective preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation plans despite the significance of disaster management in libraries. Open science offers potential solutions to these issues by providing libraries with access to real-time data, information, and best practices, as well as collaboration and knowledge-sharing opportunities. However, it is necessary to investigate how open science can be incorporated into library disaster management practices and to identify the potential benefits and obstacles of this approach. This paper explores how open science principles can be used to improve library disaster management. This paper presents qualitative findings from multiple case studies of academic libraries in Malaysia. Individual semi-structured interviews with library leaders and focus group discussions with librarians were used to collect empirical data from a targeted sample of respondents. Afterwards, the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Academic libraries in Malaysia are perceived to have a strategy and their own plans to respond to a disaster crisis, but they lack a formal disaster management plan. The data findings also demonstrate how open science can assist libraries in gaining access to real-time data and information about disasters, in sharing their experiences with others, and in responding effectively to emergencies. The result of the study will be a greater understanding of how open science has been utilized in library disaster management, as well as recommendations for how libraries can integrate open science principles into their disaster management practices

For Full article you can access at : 
https://commonrepo.um.edu.my/13596/1/ICoLIS%202023%20proceeding.pdf#page=46

Exploring library disaster management preparedness and responses in Malaysian academic libraries

Abstract : Disaster management, whether natural, man-made, or health-related, is integral to library management. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the preparedness and response of academic libraries to the disruption of library services during the Covid-19 pandemic. This paper presents qualitative findings from multiple case studies conducted at academic libraries in Malaysia. The data were subsequently subjected to thematic analysis. The results disclose how Academic Libraries expanded/modified their public service policies in response to the disaster, particularly the Covid-19 pandemic. Changes in roles in the provision of services and facilities that are more necessary during a disaster are shared by library managers and can serve as benchmarks for other libraries to implement as necessary. Academic libraries in Malaysia are perceived to have a strategy and their own plans to respond to a disaster crisis, but they lack a formal disaster management plan. This study's findings provide several significant practical contributions for library professionals to ensure the continuity of their services in the event of a disaster. It can also serve as a baseline for policymakers preparing disaster response policies, guidelines, or manuals.

For Full Article you can Access at : https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/87340/

Reference : Ismail, Mohd and Mohamed Shuhidan, Shamila and K, Kiran and SF, Samsuddin (2023) Exploring library disaster management preparedness and responses in Malaysian academic libraries / Mohd Ismail ... [et al.]. Journal of Information and Knowledge Management (JIKM), 2. pp. 76-93. ISSN ISSN:2231-8836 ; E-ISSN:2289-5337