Abstract
The study examined the pandemic and disaster preparedness of academic libraries with
special focus on three university libraries in South-west, Nigeria. It adopted a descriptive
survey research design using the random sampling technique. Both quantitative and
qualitative data were used for the Study. Using a self-designed questionnaire, an interview
schedule and observation checklist as instruments, descriptive statistics were employed to
analyse the data. Major findings from the study show that library services can be continued
during the periods of pandemics and disasters by employing the use of virtual tools and social
media platforms. Readiness and skillfulness of Library personnel for service delivery during
future occurrences of pandemics and disasters were found to be seamless adjustment to
emerging technology, information handling skills, disaster control gadgets handling skills
(use of extinguishers, sprinklers, etc.), pandemic control gadgets handling skills (use of
thermometer, etc.), reference and research support skills, online environment service
rendering skills, electronic information management and dissemination skills and lastly first
aid treatment skills. Envisaged challenges to pandemic and disaster preparedness were found
to be fluctuating/inadequate power supply followed by lack/inadequate online environment
information use skill on the parts of users and then slow internet bandwidth/poor internet
connections. The study concluded by proffering recommendations on better pandemic and
disaster preparedness measures.
Key Words: Pandemics, disaster preparedness, COVID-19, pandemic, academic libraries.
Publication Date: 2025-05-01