India is prone to natural disasters and disaster planning at the government level has gained momentum as new initiatives have been taken which are discussed briefly. But disaster…
Abstract
Purpose
India is prone to natural disasters and disaster planning at the government level has gained momentum as new initiatives have been taken which are discussed briefly. But disaster planning in the university libraries in India remains a neglected area. This paper aims to address these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is a case study of two university libraries in Punjab state of India that faced the fury of floods during July 1993. Their experience with disaster, losses incurred and action taken in libraries is discussed. The paper concludes with a few suggestions. For collecting information, annual reports of universities were consulted and face to face interviews were carried out for data collection from the librarian and the deputy librarian of the two university libraries who had experienced the floods.
Findings
Among the two, one university library lost just over 70 per cent of its collection in flood. The other was fortunate and only minor loss was reported. Both the university libraries under study did not have a disaster plan then and neither have they now.
Research limitations/implications
This is a case study of two university libraries only. A survey of all the university libraries in India would provide more information.
Originality/value
This paper looks into the neglected area of disaster planning in university libraries in India.
Details
Keywords
This study aims to explore the nature and extent of collaboration among library and information science (LIS) departments, faculty members and practitioners. It also intends to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the nature and extent of collaboration among library and information science (LIS) departments, faculty members and practitioners. It also intends to identify the challenges and future prospects of collaboration in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
Face-to-face and telephonic semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 faculty members (professors, associate professors and assistant professors) from eight LIS departments. A thematic analysis approach was used to answer the research questions.
Findings
A thematic analysis of the participants’ opinions reveals a weak and informal collaboration among LIS stakeholders. However, high level of awareness among faculty members regarding the potential benefits of collaborative activities was observed. Their urge for developing liaison and collaboration with stakeholders is a positive indication that requires visionary leadership and committed efforts to ensure long term success.
Practical implications
The study aspects discussed may provide guidelines for creating future planning and growth of professional collaboration in Pakistan. The scope of this study may be extended to groom national, regional and international collaborative activities in other countries with same conditions. Though this study is conducted in Pakistan, the findings may be extended to other parts of developing countries with similar context.
Originality/value
It will serve as a guideline for further research, as it has addressed an untouched area and reports original research.