A Design of Disaster Management Plan for Safeguarding the National Knowledge Centers in Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Human beings encountered natural disasters from the very first beginning. In the past, many natural disasters were the outcomes of natural incidents and however in the present natural disasters are increased in the number with the impact of human intervention coupled with the technological advancements. The history of library science has reported on incidents where intelligent properties were destroyed by natural disasters. In order to overcome such incidents library scientists and authors of the natural disaster management are presently working together. Conversely, the disaster management preparedness in Sri Lanka with regard to library sector is not at a satisfactory level. Among the leading government knowledge resource centers in Sri Lanka, the National Library of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka National Museum and the Sri Lanka National Archive were chosen as the study sample. The study will focus on the disasters that can have an impact on the collection, staff and physical properties of the selected institutions. In addition, the study will examine the currently available methods and means of disaster management. The aim of the study is to identify the issues related to disaster management and suggest possible solutions. The primary data will be collected through field observations and interviews of the officers in the disaster management sector as well as concerned national knowledge resource centers. Study will stress on the methods of disaster prevention, preservation and responding to the natural disasters. If the selected institutions do not have proper disaster management plans and programs, the study expects to introduce some of the key points related to disaster management planning and attempt will be made to explore any possibility of design and development of the appropriate components of a proper disaster management plan for these national knowledge centers of Sri Lanka.