Library Disaster Preparedness & Response: Disaster Response
Putting a plan in place before a disaster strikes, and what to do when disaster does strike
Selected Resources for Response and Recovery
- Conserve O Grams - National Park Serviceshort, focused leaflets about caring for museum objects, published in loose-leaf format.New topics are added as needed and out-of-date issues are revised or deleted. Semiannual supplements will be issued for an indeterminate period. Series 21 is about Disaster Response and Recovery.
- Disaster Recovery Contract - Library of CongressRecommendations that should be in a Disaster Recovery Contract and what should be expected from a credible recovery firm.
- Lyrasis Disaster Response and RecoveryLinks resources by type of damage and material, lists services and supplies of disaster recovery, aid, and other agencies to look to for sound disaster information
- Disaster and Emergency Resources - CCAHA [PDF]Technical bulletins address disaster recovery needs integral to operating any collection-holding institution. Each technical bulletin will take you step-by-step from response through recovery and includes information such as disaster preparedness, recovery procedures, and hazardous situations.
- Minnesota Historical Society - Disaster Response and Recovery ResourcesThese reference publications provide advice and guidance for responding to a disaster and for dealing with wet and damaged historic material and possessions.
Recovery of Library Materials
- Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation (formerly Heritage Preservation)Includes information about Heritage Emergency National Task Force and Emergency Programs, Heritage Health Information / Index (HHI), and more.
- Beyond Words - Disaster RecoveryThe unthinkable has happened - your school library has been hit by a natural disaster, fire or an act of terrorism. Where do you begin to recover materials and equipment? How do you help your students cope with the aftermath?
- Disaster Response and Recovery - AIC GuidesAmerican Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (AIC) offers brochures, guides and links to other organizations that may be of help.
Response Resources
Strudwick, Jane. "A Selected Bibliography of Library Disaster Stories: Before, During, and After." Public Library Quarterly 25, no. 3-4 (2006): 7-16. doi:10.1300/j118v25n03_02.
Zach, Lisl, and Michelynn McKnight. "Special Services in Special Times - Responding to Changed Information Needs During and After Community-Based Disasters." Public Libraries 49, no. 2 (2010): 37. Article Examines the Differences between Traditional Disaster Planning and Planning for Responsive Information Services and Probes the Special Information Needs of Users in Communities Affected by Disasters.
- Guide to Navigating Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration Disaster Aid for Cultural Institutions2009 publication. This guide was originally published in July 2008 and updated January 2009. However, the federal
government policies and forms included in this publication are subject to change. Heritage
Preservation will make every effort to maintain the most up-to-date information on its Web site. - Since you asked...(response to question about hurricane recovery)written by Lisa Fox, senior conservator at the Missouri State Archives, October 2005.
- Small Business Recovery Expanded Guide - U.S. Chamber of Commerce FoundationWhen a disaster occurs, businesses must take care of their employees’ needs, communicate the impact, address financial matters (e.g., insurance, disaster assistance), restore operations, and organize recovery. Included are resources to help reopen your business and make progress through long-term recovery. For more details, visit: www.uschamberfoundation.org/ccc.
Where to find Library Vendors
A general web search for <library vendors disaster recovery> will bring up many resources to find vendors, some specific geographic areas.
- Vendors - NARAThese are selected vendors that provide recovery and salvage services for records. This list of vendors is provided by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) for informational purposes.
- Disaster Recovery Vendors - SAAA list of vendors collected by the Society of American Archivists. This list is not meant to endorse or recommend use of these vendors, nor does omission indicate censure. This list is provided for informational purposes only.