Mr. Ronnie B. Fragata
University of Baguio Library
Email: ronniefragata133@gmail.com
Abstract
The study measured the extent of availability of disaster equipment to ascertain disaster preparedness and response practices in the University of Baguio Libraries. Descriptive research was employed in the study. Questionnaire and observation checklist were the instruments for data collection. While the research problems were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean(x), standard deviation (SD), and ranking (R), responses obtained from the observation checklist were analyzed using simple percentages. The results reveal an adequate availability rate of warning alarms, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, water hoses, equipment for communication, emergency exit door, and anti-virus software. Other core disaster equipment like dryers, dehumidifiers, and paper towels are lacking in the UB libraries as well as other essential disaster kits for fighting or recovery from theft and the general well-being of library resources (e.g., 3M Detection System, plastic sheet covers, dehumidifiers, dust extractors, and paper towels). The study further revealed that the majority of the respondents coming from UB Libraries and Campus Planning and Development Office (CPDO) “agree” that disaster preparedness and response practices primarily carried out in the selected libraries include: Regular check-up and maintenance of equipment, Correct positioning of disaster response equipment, Regular replacement of Fire extinguishers, Maintenance and check-ups of emergency exit doors, Maintenance of water pipes, Management of detrimental incidents, and Testing of warning systems. Correlation analysis indicates a weak positive relationship between the availability of equipment and the existence of disaster preparedness and response practices in the University of Baguio Libraries. Consequently, the study recommended the procurement of core disaster equipment, deployment of technology to deter library misconduct and benchmarking existing equipment and activities with world-class counterparts.
KEYWORDS
Disaster preparedness, libraries, disaster response, disaster equipment, university, school librarians
| Published January 12, 2022 |
Issue UB RJ Vol. 44, No. 2 2020 |
