Assessment of Information Professionals' Awareness on Security Management at Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library, University of Nairobi

Abstract

The research study seeks to assess the awareness of information professionals on personal safety and security management in academic institution libraries, a case study of the University of Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library. The study's general objective was to assess the awareness of personal security and safety management of information professionals in academic libraries. The study's theoretical framework was anchored on the Institutional Theory. The research study was anchored on a quantitative research design adopting the use of questionnaires for primary data collection. The study target population involved 57 staff in cadres of circulation, bindery, cataloging, acquisition, E-resource, and library administration. The study gave a detailed data analysis as per the study objectives with the outcomes tabulated in pie charts, graphs, tables, bar graphs, and text. The study findings revealed that there was minimal regular sensitization on the risk management and mitigation plan and established that the staff were least prepared to handle a security risk due to lack of regular drills on security risk preparedness. The study therefore recommended regular sensitization on the availability of risks and vulnerabilities, regular training, and robust review of risk management and mitigation plans.