Risk Management Strategies in Cultural Heritage Institutions in South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Archives, museums and libraries are part of our cultural and natural heritage. Acquiring, processing and providing access to recorded information are some of the reasons why cultural heritage institutions exist. The functions of the African Heritage Research Library and Cultural Centre (AHRLC), Adeyipo, the National Archive, Abeokuta branch and the Ife Museum of Natural History are no different. They are cultural heritage instituitions with collections of African historical antecedents, repositories of natural objects and African heritage research library dating back to 1950, 1992 and 1971 respectively. That this heritage is worth preserving is the theme of this study. Although, some current preservation methods in place are indigenous, they are lacking in many instances the risk management expertise, focus and coordinated planning. A lot more needs to be done by way of providing the necessary resources, and the appropriate facilities supported by comprehensive institutional polices. Face-to-face interview and observation were the instruments used for the study. The strategies adopted for managing risks and preventing disasters, by the selected cultural heritage institutions in South-West, Nigeria was the focus. The efforts of three heritage institutions (1 library, 1 archive and 1 museum) to prevent disasters and manage their collections with as little risk as possible, even in the face of shoestring budgets are described. The disaster management strategies of the Heritage Library, Adeyipo, The National Archive, Abeokuta branch and the Ife Museum of Natural History are detailed. The advantages and disadvantages of the strategies chosen are highlighted and suggestions proferred for improvement.