Disaster preparedness in libraries of Kashmir

This study investigates the state of disaster preparedness in ten (10) prominent libraries of Jammu & Kashmir [six Academic libraries (S.P. College Library, Women’s College Library, Govt. Degree College Library- Bemina, Amar Singh College Library, Gandhi Memorial College Library and College of Education Library); three Special libraries (J&K Academy of Art, Culture & languages Library- Srinagar, Govt. Medical College Library- Srinagar, and J&K High Court Library) and one Public library {Sri Pratab Singh (SPS) library}]. The examination was carried by adopting the survey research design. Data collection was done by using number of data collection tools like questionnaire, interview, examination etc. Data were tabulated and analyzed as per the objectives of the study. The findings of the paper discover that the level of staff sensitization and awareness on disaster preparedness is at their lowest, as none of the libraries were found to be enough-prepared to face a disaster. The results reveal that although libraries in Kashmir are susceptible to disasters like floods, fire etc, yet none of the library seems to be prepared to bear or cope any disaster. The findings offer a dull picture of libraries when it comes to their inefficiency and incapability (in terms of disaster preparedness) by finding that most of the libraries are without a disaster preparedness plan as well as a disaster preparedness team. The study also enlightens some important facets, components & procedures in Disaster preparedness