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Emergency Preparedness for Libraries

Abstract

The class examines strategies to assist librarians with preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies. Topics include learning how to conduct a basic risk assessment for their libraries and craft a basic emergency preparedness plan including strategies for continuing library services during the emergency; disaster planning models; types of resources available for emergency planning and recovery; relationships with first responders, vendors, and other libraries; and issues related to salvage. Class activities provide the opportunity to discuss and begin developing continuity of service plans and related processes.

Note: This course is a combination of two classes which are approved for MLA CE and may be taught separately:

• 10-Step Approach to Service Continuity Planning - 2 hours
• Disaster Planning in the Library and Beyond - 2 hours

Objectives

1. Identify risks to their regions and their institutions from natural and human-caused emergencies and disasters
2. Develop a plan for continuation of core library services in the event of an emergency or disaster
3. Identify advocacy possibilities within both the organization and the community
4. Know how to obtain help within their regions or nationwide for assistance in providing continuity of services following an emergency or disaster
5. Know where to obtain help and/or training in collection preservation where applicable

Course Materials

• Agenda:
  • Part I: 10-Step Approach to Service Continuity Planning
    • Introduction and background, overview of class content
    • Risk assessment (Step 1)
    • Emergency preparedness measures for librarians (Steps 2-9)
    • Knowing how to obtain assistance in developing continuity of service (Step 10)
  • Part II: Disaster Planning in the Library and Beyond
    • Disaster Struck: Immediate Responses – group case study
    • People and Personnel
    • Knowing your Library
    • Working Beyond the Library
    • We’re Back – Now what? Long term response
    • Wrap-Up and Evalution
• PowerPoint Presentation to come

Continuing Education

This class has been approved by the Medical Library Association for 4 contact hours of CE credit. MLA Course Listing.

Instructors

Greater Midwest Region

Holly Burt, Outreach and Exhibits Coordinator, haburt@uic.edu, 312-996-2464

Authors

Four Hour class: Holly Ann Burt, MLIS, Outreach and Exhibits Coordinator with Ruth Holst, MLS, Associate Director at the National Network of Libraries of Medicine Greater Midwest Region (NN/LM GMR).

10-Step class: Dan Wilson, Coordinator, NN/LM National Emergency Preparedness & Response Plan/ Associate Director for Collection Management & Access Services, Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, University of Virginia and Susan Yowell, Project Assistant, NN/LM National Emergency Preparedness & Response Plan/ Project Assistant, Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, University of Virginia