Abstract
This study investigated the facilities and equipment for disaster preparedness and the
experiences of Librarians in academic Libraries of institutions of higher learning in Kebbi
State, Nigeria. The objectives were to identify the disaster preparedness facilities and
equipment available in academic Libraries and explore Librarians' experiences regarding
disaster preparedness. A qualitative phenomenological research design was adopted. Data
were collected through structured interviews with six heads of Libraries purposively
selected from the institutions. The data were analyzed thematically using NVivo 12
software. The findings revealed that academic Libraries possessed various disaster
preparedness facilities and equipment, including fire extinguishers, sand buckets, smoke
detectors, sprinklers, dehumidifiers, first aid kits, security systems, climate control
systems, and backup power sources such as uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems,
generators, and solar inverters. Most Librarians reported the existence of formal disaster
preparedness plans with clearly defined staff responsibilities, fire and flood response
procedures, and regular training and simulation exercises. Their experiences further
indicated that disaster response commonly involved immediate evacuation, damage
assessment, site security, and prioritization of valuable collections. However, one library
lacked a formal disaster preparedness plan, while other libraries had no comprehensive
documented disaster plan. Inadequate staff training, limited knowledge, insufficient
funding, and weak institutional policies also constrained effective preparedness. The study
concludes that although most academic libraries possess essential disaster preparedness
facilities and established response procedures, strengthening staff capacity, institutional
policies, sustainable funding, and comprehensive documented disaster preparedness plans
is necessary to enhance institutional resilience and effective disaster preparedness.
Keywords: Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Preparedness Facilities, Disaster Preparedness
Equipment, Librarians' Experiences, Academic Libraries, Kebbi State.
Publication Date: 2026-07-31