Disaster preparation is critical to libraries in West Africa
According to Philip C. Aziagba and Glory T. Edet, most academic libraries in West Africa are not adequately prepared for disasters and, as a result, many are in danger of losing valuable resources and materials. These authors, in their article "Disaster-Control Planning for Academic Libraries in West Africa" (2008), assert: "Successful disaster plans will prevent a serious disruption of services, and this is one key recommendation to emerge from this study."
The authors conducted a survey of 30 university libraries in West Africa to obtain information on types of disasters that have impacted the libraries' institutions and the libraries' plans concerning future disaster control. The survey showed that 46.6% of participants have been affected or are likely to be affected by rainstorms and strong wind. In 2007, heavy storms destroyed or tore down many buildings in the surveyed region including libraries and scholarly institutions. Other responses cited pest infection, acid rain, flood, industrial fumes, tidal waves or earth tremors. While the surveyed libraries reported regular maintenance checks, "none of these libraries have articulated a definite disaster plan" (Survey section, para. 7).
In exploring other studies, the authors found awareness to be a crucial factor in disaster-control planning. One study cited emphasizes that management and staff must have the correct training and support to ensure a strong prevention scheme. Per other studies reviewed, "prioritizing collections for salvage" (Review of Literature section, para. 2) and assigning "a coordinator of disaster planning and security" (Review of Literature section, para. 4) can contribute to disaster preparations.
The authors conclude that academic libraries in West Africa do not have adequate budget to sufficiently cover disaster control and should reach out for external help. Another key initiative would be to establish a committee of engineers, accountants, police and academics to "inspect the level of disaster preparedness" (Discussion section, para. 6). With such initiatives in place, libraries in West Africa would have less to fear from the aftermath of natural or manmade disasters. 
philipaziagba@yahoo.com
edetglory@yahoo.com
Disaster preparation is critical to libraries in West Africa
