Risk Management in Libraries, Archives and Museums

The world is becoming subject to diverse risks due to environmental and human-based hazards that Libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs) are more exposed to than before. Proactive risk management is necessary because the emergencies and disasters are unpredictable. The four main pillars of disaster management preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery need to be well cooked, planned properly and strictly carried out before any incidence occurs. The first step which is indispensable in a healthy Risk Management System in library, archive, and museums (in general, all of them are regarded as information and documentation centers) is to define the hazards along with the assessment of the level of their threat, and only after that, it is recommended to set the priorities. Continuous improvement is one of the key dimensions of the system upholding its effectiveness over the years, where a cyclical process under the influence of Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model plays a central role. Deliberate risk analysis must consider among others: the frequency and severity and frequency of possible disasters; the quantity and contents of collections and materials; the staff and users; structural and non-structural characteristics of the building; geological perimeters of the location; and existence of harmful facilities in the adjacent landscape. These risks can only be tackled by developing specific plans that should be to cope with both short-term, medium-term and long- term goals with regards to every risk identified. This paper will emphasize the importance of thorough risk analysis and assessment to be carried out as required by the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) rules especially as relevant to LAMs. An example of a risk analysis carried out using risk matrix methodology of 5x5 is given to give a view of how such analyses can be practically performed.