Lessons in Disaster Recovery from Hurricane Ivan: The Case of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Library

Abstract

Disasters, whether natural or man-made, have an impact on the human and organizational dimensions. This is particularly so with respect to the sustainability and management of organizations. In some cases whether you are prepared or unprepared certain conditions may exacerbate the impact of a disaster. In September 2004, Jamaica experienced a category 5 hurricane (Hurricane Ivan), which was recorded as one of the worst tropical cyclone in the island’s history. The aftermath of the hurricane witnessed damage to thousands of properties, including libraries and other information units. The University of the West Indies, (UWI) Mona library was one of the libraries impacted by Hurricane Ivan. Using a case study approach, this paper highlights the lessons observed by the UWI Mona library in its recovery exercise. These lessons highlight challenges and successes and are presented in pictorial and textual forms. This paper is of value as it will provide the library and information community with insights into disaster management in a Jamaican university library and from a developing country perspective. Further, this will be the first published paper on the impact of Hurricane Ivan on an academic library community in Jamaica. Consequently, in addition to being somewhat path breaking, it can be used to inform disaster mitigation personnel and persons who have not been exposed to disaster planning within and without libraries in the Caribbean and the rest of the world.