Masters of Disasters: Planning, Recovering and Rebuilding for Resilience

Abstract

Many libraries hope to avoid emergencies or disasters. Few succeed. The literature shows that far too few libraries have a disaster plan in place or staff prepared to carry it out. The presenters, each of whose libraries has experienced a disaster, will discuss disaster planning and response strategies from the perspective of Access Services, including the areas of services, collections, facilities, and staff support. Emphasis will be placed on how the disruption of a disaster can serve as a catalyst for redefining priorities, reconsidering services, and rebuilding stronger libraries.