Natural Disasters
The Implications of Natural Disasters in Libraries Natural disasters cause damage to societies and
libraries. Earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis and tornadoes can cause irreversible
damage to library infrastructure and most importantly the collection. Since natural disasters cannot
be fully controlled or stop, they can destroy or caused serious damage to any nation's intellectual
heritage. Hence, library managers must put in place measures to mitigate the impact of natural
disasters. Besides loss of life, infrastructure destruction is by far the most obvious type of damage
that comes to mind when we think about natural disasters. But there are other implications for a
country's cultural heritage, economy, as well...show more content...
They further posit, if it does not do this, the community will lose its traditional identities hence the
future generation will have nothing to refer to. According to Dim and Osadebe cited by Setshwane
and Oats an endangered society is the one which loses its identity because of the loss of its cultural
heritage. For example, the public library which inspires lifelong learning, strengthen communities
and enhance knowledge must document and keep the cultural heritage of the communities it serves.
Therefore, libraries must take the necessary measures to protect a nation's cultural heritage if natural
disasters should strike.
Taboroff believes that fires, earthquakes, flooding, tsunami, land and mudslides, winds, and tropical
storms are among the major causes of loss and damages. He further states, that these disasters result
in the loss of irreplaceable artistic and cultural assets and are costly. Thus, natural disasters have
serious implication on a country's cultural heritage, therefore libraries must prepare for the worst by
planning, preparing and training to protect the culture, values and traditions belonging to the
country. The preparedness of libraries with regards to disaster will keep the cultural heritage safe
when disasters threaten. If a nation, city, state or country rich cultural heritage is destroyed by
natural disasters the citizens will
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