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Library Disaster Planning and Recovery Handbook
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by Camila A. Alire
Sales Rank: 1815081
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$35.00
At Amazon
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Paperback: 614 pages
Publisher: Neal-Schuman Publishers; 1 edition April 1, 2000
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1555703739
ISBN-13: 978-1555703738
Product Dimensions:
8.8 x 6 x 1.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
From Library Journal
On July 28, 1997, the Morgan Library at the Colorado State University experienced a flash flood that broke a wall in the library basement; the flood's sheer force twisted bookshelves and tossed books into the water. As a result, ten percent of the collection was totally destroyed, with the most serious damage to the serials collection. In all, 425,000 titles had to be reprocessed, most computers were ruined, work areas were gone, and the library couldn't open due to water, mold, and other health hazardsDa disaster of the largest magnitude. Edited by university library dean Alire, who oversaw the library's recovery, this handbook gives a detailed account of the disaster, as well as advice and recommendations to other libraries for coping with an emergency and its aftermath. Even though Morgan Library had a disaster plan in effect, employees discovered how many things weren't covered. They also learned how little there was in published library literature on replacing collections, accepting gifts in huge quantities, dealing with insurance companies, keeping the building secure, the difficulties (in their state) of hiring temporary help, and working with contractors. Each chapter is written by a different staff member (or pairs) and discusses the impact the disaster had on their department. How do you keep staff morale intact and how do you communicate when there are no telephones, electricity, or heating/cooling in the building? Health concerns for the safety of employees from mold are also discussed. This lengthy volume is important as it documents the severity of the disaster but also reads as a cathartic dissertation that will help the staff in the healing process as they regain control of their library. Useful lessons can be learned by large academic and public libraries thinking through their own disaster plans.DMarie Bruni, Huntington Memorial Lib., Oneonta, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Less than two weeks after editor Alire assumed her position as Colorado State University (CSU) dean of libraries, the system suffered severe flooding. Besides presenting the story of response to the disaster, the volume aims to guide other libraries in developing disaster preparedness. CSU staff members involved in the disaster have written most of the chapters, each about the aspect he or she worked on, such as the initial tasks in managing a major disaster, especially the implications for those who must deal with the media. Discrete sections deal with the reactions and responsibilities of the library's public services and technical services divisions. The last three sections cover restoring the collection and the role of gifts and resource sharing in restoration. Edward Swanson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Customer Reviews & Comments
From damage by fire or water to handling the emotional impact of library systems which come to a crashing halt, this provides the working librarian with a structure for planning for possible library disasters. Chapters cover the basics of handling damaged collections and systems, and provide excellent depth and detail on the recovery options and solutions to common problems.
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Library Disaster Planning and Recovery Handbook
Available from Amazon
Price: $35.00
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