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- Description
- Table of Contents
- About the author
Fire, water, mold, construction problems, power-outages—mishaps like these can not only bring library services to a grinding halt, but can also destroy collections and even endanger employees. Preparing for the unexpected is the foundation of a library's best response. Expert Kahn comes to the rescue with this timely update of the best step-by-step, how-to guide for preparing and responding to all types of library disasters. This completely revised third edition offers
- Quick and efficient guidance for creating protocols and response plans tailored to your own institution
- Pointers for handling all kinds of library materials when damaged
- The latest information on preparing for technology recovery
- Up-to-date information on prevention equipment and materials
- Dozens of reproducible checklists and forms, and a comprehensive list of resources
Kahn's guide gives libraries the tools they need to face any emergency, no matter the size or scope.
Preface xi
Arrangement and Purpose xv
Acknowledgments xvii
Introduction 1
Why Write a Disaster Response Plan? 2
What Is a Disaster Response Plan and Why Is It Important? 2
Response 3
Disaster Response Planning in a Nutshell 4
What If the Disaster Happens before You Have a Plan? 5
Section 1: Response 7
Phase One: Responding to Notification of the Disaster 8
Phase Two: Assessing the Situation and Damage 9
Phase Three: Beginning to Rescue and Recover Collections 10
Call for Outside Assistance 10
Damage Assessment 11
Response to Different-Sized Disasters 12
Dealing with the Media 14
Working with Contractors 15
Recovery Decisions and Priorities 16
Computers and Disaster Recovery 18
Emotional Issues 18
Section 2: Recovering Collections and Restoring Operations 21
Making Decisions 21
Resuming Services 22
Revising Disaster Response Plans 24
Following Up 26
Marketing and Public Relations 27
Dealing with the Next Disaster—Physical and Psychological Issues 27
Section 3: Prevention 29
The Building Survey—Inside the Building 29
The Building Survey—Outside the Building 32
Correcting and Preventing Fire and Safety Hazards 32
Indoor Air Quality and Sick Building Syndrome 33
Remote Storage Facilities 34
Backup Routines to Prevent Loss of Computer Data 36
Survey to Identify Vulnerable Collections 37
Outside Contacts 38
Construction and Renovation Projects 38
Section 4: Planning 41
Elements of a Disaster Response Plan 42
Disaster Response Team 43
Roles and Responsibilities 44
Lists to Create and Update during the Planning Phase 48
Prioritization for Recovery 48
Planning for Small, Large, and Wide-Area Disasters 53
Planning for Damage to Computers and Data 56
Insurance 59
Communications 63
Phone and Internet Access 66
Contacting Disaster Response Companies and Consultants 66
Training 67
Section 5: Response and Recovery Procedures 71
Basic Response Procedures 71
Packing Procedures for Books, Documents, Archives, and Office Files 72
Selecting a Drying Method—Dehumidification vs. Vacuum Freeze-Drying 73
Documents and Files—In-House Handling and Drying Methods 77
Books and Paper Files—In-House Handling and Drying Methods 77
Large-Format Materials—Handling and Drying Methods 78
Textiles in All Formats—Handling and Drying Methods 80
Modern Film-Based Materials 1950–Present—Handling and Drying Methods 80
Magnetic Tape—Handling and Drying Methods 83
Compact Discs (CDs) and DVDs—Handling and Drying Methods 84
Phonograph Records—Handling and Drying Methods 86
Works of Art on Canvas and Paper—Handling and Drying Methods 86
Mold 87
Ozone 90
Insects and Pests 91
Disaster Response and Contingency Planning 92
Appendix A: Checklists and Forms 93
1. Elements of a Disaster Response Plan 95
2. Disaster Response Team Contact Information 96
3. Emergency Contact List—Services 97
4. Phase I: Activate Plan—Gather Disaster Response Team 99
5. Phase II: Assessment—External Structural Damage 100
6. Phase II: Assessment—Internal Structural Damage 101
7. Phase II: Assessment—Contents and Furniture 102
8. Phase II: Assessment—Collections 103
9. Phase II: Assessment—Computers 104
10. Phase III: Rescue and Recovery 105
11. Phase III: Rescue and Recovery—Assignment of Disaster Response Team Responsibilities 105
12. Phase III: Rescue and Recovery—Reallocation of Staff within Building 106
13. Phase III: Rescue and Recovery—Reallocation of Staff outside of Building 106
14. Phase III: Rescue and Recovery—Returning to Normal 107
15. Phase III: Rescue and Recovery—Communications 108
16. Prioritization for Recovery Checklist 109
17. Vital and Permanent Records Checklist 1 10
18. Recovery Decisions and Priorities Checklist 1 1 1
19. Paper Records Recovery Decision Checklist 112
20. Clay-Coated Paper Recovery Decision Checklist 113
21. Books and Bound Materials Recovery Decision Checklist 114
22. Microforms Recovery Decision Checklist 115
23. Software and Data Recovery Decision Checklist 116
24. Computer Equipment Recovery Decision Checklist 117
25. Checklist for Determining Drying Method 118
26. Environmental Conditions for Air Drying Books and Paper Files Checklist 118
27. Current Suggested Temperature and Relative Humidity for Cultural Institutions 119
28. Cleaning Books Checklist 120
29. Checklist for When Materials Are Returned from the Contractor 121
30. Building Survey Checklist 122
31. Fire Extinguisher Information List 123
32. R emote Storage Facilities Checklist 124
33. Computer Backup Tape and Data Storage Facilities Checklist 125
34. Telecommunications and Phone-Dependent Services Checklist 126
35. Computers and Data—Hardware Checklist 127
36. LANs and Servers Checklist 128
37. Printers Checklist 128
38. Battery Backup or UPS Checklist 129
39. Software Checklist—Commercial Software 129
40. Software Checklist—Customized and Proprietary Software 130
41. Software Checklist—Software Documentation 131
42. Backup Routines Checklist 132
43. Computer Backup Information Checklist 133
Appendix B: Associations, Organizations, and Companies 135
Bibliography 143
Index 155