The preparation of a disaster plan for an academic library : the University of Malta library

Abstract

The aim of this study is to produce a set of guidelines which would help University of Malta Library staff to compose a Disaster Management Plan (DMP). The set of guidelines were adopted, among others, mainly from The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization‟s (UNESCO) four (4) phased guidelines: prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Apart from this, the questionnaires and interview that were carried out also helped in formulating the set of guidelines. The literature review covers a set of good practices from various countries around the world in many aspects of a DMP and highlights its importance. Despite the fact that in Malta there is no mentality for preparedness, but instead adjusting rules and guidelines after any form of disaster strikes, the study concludes that UoM Library staff sees the need for the Library to adopt a DMP.