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
- Identify risks to their regions and their institutions from natural and human-caused emergencies and disasters
- Develop a plan for continuation of core library services in the event of an emergency or disaster
- Identify advocacy possibilities within both the organization and the community
- Know how to obtain help within their regions or nationwide for assistance in providing continuity of services following an emergency or disaster
- Know where to obtain help and/or training in collection preservation where applicable
Course Materials
- Agenda
- PowerPoint presentation Emergency Preparedness for Libraries
- intro to first half and slides for second half - PowerPoint presentation and handouts for 10-Step Approach to Service Continuity Planning (1st half)
Continuing Education
This class has been approved by the Medical Library Association for 4 contact hours of CE credit. MLA Course Listing.
Instructors
Holly Ann Burt, Outreach and Exhibits Coordinator, haburt@uic.edu, 312-996-2464
Dana Abbey, Health Information Literacy Coordinator/Colorado, dana.abbey@ucdenver.edu, 303-724-2110
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
