Library as Safe Haven

Libraries have always played a special role in times of disaster by continuing to provide information services. The Stafford Act of 2011 designates libraries as among the temporary facilities delivering essential services, so the federal government directive for a Continuity of Operations Plan for all its agencies is a planning imperative for libraries.

Peppered with engaging first-person narratives from librarians recounting emergency situations, Halsted, Clifton, and Wilson cover such topics as:

• An eight-step approach to developing a risk assessment plan
• Information on how to use mobile devices and social media effectively in times of disaster
• Sample disaster plans, along with model exercises, manuals and customizable communications

Published in cooperation with the Medical Library Association (MLA), this nuts-and-bolts resource will enable libraries of all kinds to do their best while planning for the worst.