1. Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Disaster Management in Libraries and Information Centers: Strategy & Practices
Dr. Harish Chandra
Librarian
Indian Institute of Technology Madras

2. WHO Definition
Disaster as any occurrence that causes damage, destruction, ecological disruption, loss of human life, human suffering, deterioration of health and health services on a scale sufficient to warrant an extraordinary response from outside the affected community or area.

3. Paul Eden and Graham Matthews
Define a “disaster” as any incident which threatens human safety and/or damages, or threatens to damage, a library’s buildings, collections (or item(s) therein), equipment and systems. Fire (for example, started by arson or an electrical fault) They also indicate that a disaster can have many causes (man-made or natural) including the followings given in next slide

4. Causes
Water (for example, burst pipes or heavy rain leading to flooding)
Poor storage and environmental conditions (for example, damp leading to mould growth)
Inadequate security leading to break-ins and theft
Poorly maintained buildings

5. Kelman, I. and S. Pooley Natural Disasters Flooding Hurricanes
Blizzards
Storms
Land slides, etc

6. Kelman, I. and S. Pooley Human Disasters Theft and criminal damage
Fire
Death/poor health/general sickness
Contamination
War/conflict/terrorism
Workplace violence, etc

7. Kelman, I. and S. Pooley Technical Disasters Power cuts
Break down of computer networks
Gas leaks
Communication failure
Cooling/heating/ventilation system failure, etc

8. Objectives
An effective and efficient response to disaster can be achieved by a good disaster planning strategy
To prevent potential disasters
To minimize the impact
To enhance its capability in preventing, preparing and responding to disasters effectively and efficiently.
To generate confidence among stakeholders

9. Importance of Libraries
Enabling forces for learning
Libraries Provide an Environment in which creativity is fostered
Center for Creation and Recreation of Academic Activities
Promotes Dissemination of Research
Enables Networking Between Researchers
A Bridge to 21st Century-Bill Clinton
Heart of an Academic Institution
Repository of Culture & Society

10. Stakeholders Librarians Archivists Insurance officers
Heritage organizations
Disaster recovery agencies
Books Preservation Expert
Fire service officials
Security Officials
Earthquake Engineering Experts
Architects and Interior Designers
Electrical and Civil Engineering Experts

11. Capacity Building Aims and objectives Targeting training Content
Methods of delivery
Outcomes and evaluation
Financial and other resourcing implications
Training aids and materials

12. Practices at IIT Madras
We have various UPSs to cater the uninterrupted power supply to various library activities like two 05 KVA UPS in the basement area where we expect water during heavy rain, therefore before entry to UPS Room, we have created raised platform and also inside UPS Room just to doubly ensure that water does not affect the UPS

13. Fire Alarm System
A fire alarm system has been installed in the Central Library on each level so that any type of smoke is detected. It is also stated that designated staff has been identified in the Central Library, Security and Engineering Sections to handle Fire Alarm successfully. Periodically drills are also arranged

14. Water Bail Out System

15. Firefighting Water Arrangement

16. Electronic Security System

17. Display of Guidlines

18. Single Switch Control

19. Other Major Initiatives
Stacking Precautions
Termite Treatment
Display of Guidelines for How to use Fire Extinguishers
Training and Awareness Campaign
Full scale Mock Drill

20. Other Major Initiatives
Daily Twice Monitoring and Review
Connectivity and Interaction
Earthquake and Thunder Treatment
Special and Wide Staircases
Noise and Pollution Check by Expert

21. Agencies Asian Disaster Reduction Center http://www.adrc.asia/
Center for Disaster Management (
Corporate Disaster Resource Network
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).at
India Disaster Resource Network (IDRN)

22. Agencies
International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (
National Institute of Disaster Management (
Pacific Disaster Center
PCI
SAARC Disaster Management Center
State Disaster Resource Network (SDRN)

23. Cautions Insurance of Building, Equipments, Collections, Computers
Good drainage and flood proofing system
Maintenance of building and resources
Training and awareness
Carrying out risk assessments
Regular inspections of buildings and equipments
Identifying and using reliable expert advice

24. Cautions Planning for continuity service and storage
Prepare a clear, concise document which outlines preventive and preparatory measures intended to reduce potential risks, and which also provides details of reaction and recovery procedures to be undertaken in the event of a disaster to minimise its effect
Periodic review of the disaster control plan.
Inter-agency co-ordination and cooperation

25. Cautions Fire safety measures
Avoiding basement in the library building
Organisation of periodic mock drils
House hold hazardous items which need to be stored/used/cared very professionally.:
Installation of single switch control
Strengthening coordination & collaboration among various actors

26. Cautions Transparancey in all areas of development
Effective management review
Awareness raising and public education
Creating necessary infrastructure for DM
Upgrading emergency response mechanism

27. Here is the end of my presentation
Let me answer your question if you like
Otherwise Thanks a lot
Dr. Harish Chandra