English abstract
The aim of this study is to identify the reality of disaster
management in records departments in Omani government institutions
by identifying the extent to which disaster management practices in
records departments are consistent with the Guidelines on Disaster
Prevention and Control in Archives (ICA_Study11) issued by the
International Council of Archives (ICA) and the controls adopted by the
National Records and Archives Authority of the Sultanate of Oman in
this regard. And to identify the extent of awareness of those working in
these departments of the procedures followed to protect archival
documents. In addition to identify the challenges facing the adoption of a
disaster management plan in records departments from the viewpoint of
those working in these departments.
The study adopted a mixed methods approach to achieve its
research objectives. Checklist form, questionnaire and semi-structured
interview were used to collect the required data from a study sample
consisting of (11) records departments of Omani governmental
institutions, (95) employees from these departments and interviews were
conducted with (11) officials (director and deputy director) from these
departments.
The study found out many findings, which the most important
were: the percentage of disaster management practices in records
departments conforming to the guidelines on disaster prevention and
control was (34.4%), as there was no disaster management plan and a list
of possible sources of hazards in most records departments. In addition,
most of the institutions did not allocate financial items to cover disaster
management expenses in their documents departments. Also, most of
these departments did not have (in their parent institutions) places that
could be used as alternative areas for temporary storage during disasters.
Moreover, some of these departments did not have many systems and
ط
equipment for disaster prevention and control, such as gas fire
extinguishing systems.
The study also showed that despite the mean average of awareness
of the staff of the records departments for the rules and measures of
disaster safety reached (3.77), which was equivalent to "somewhat
literate", they were not sufficiently aware of the method of using risk fighting equipment and the cases associated with the use of each type,
such as hand extinguishers available in their departments. On the other
hand, the study noted the existence of some practices regarding saving
the collections of the records departments from disasters, but these
practices were insufficient to recover damaged documents, because they
did not base on scientific foundations.
The findings of study further showed a set of challenges that
prevent to adopt a disaster management plan in records departments,
which the most important were: Weak financial allocations for disaster
management, heavy reliance on the decisions of the parent institution in
providing needs and conduct business, lack of senior management
awareness of the importance of adopting a disaster management plan,
lack of training programs in the field of disaster management in records
departments, and the National Records and Archives Authority did not
organize courses in disaster management field.
The study made a number of recommendations, the most
important of which are: Issue a general guide for disaster management in
records departments by the National Records and Archives Authority,
and each institution must prepare an integrated disaster management plan
that takes into account its document management requirements. Also,
allocate financial items within the general budget of the parent institution
to cover management disasters expenses in records departments, and in
addition to providing these departments with the systems and equipment
they lack in disaster prevention and control. And finally, raise the
awareness of the staff of the records departments by organizing courses
in the disaster management field in coordination with the National
Records and Archives Authority.
