Abstract:

Art libraries have had their collections threatened and damaged from water, fire, and natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods.    Prevention, disaster planning, and recovery planning are necessary to anticipate and minimize the aftermath of a disaster. The assessment and anticipation of potential problems from the design, housing, and maintenance of the library and its collections can prevent or minimize disaster damage. The appropriate response to a disaster will help save a library. What are the basic elements of a disaster and recovery plan?  A review of the essential components of a disaster plan such as prevention, protection, response, recovery, and rehabilitation will be discussed. Also a listing of organizations and resources will be made available.  

Speakers:

Gretchen Karl, Romaine Ahlstrom

Being prepared for large-scale disasters is wise and we can all learn from the rare ones that occur.  Small disasters are much more likely to happen, however, and in some environments seem inevitable.  How much water damage to your collections can your institution expect to handle in-house?  How can you tell when to call in the experts, and what can you do in the meantime?  What can you practice to be ready to make the most of in-house resources, human and material, when disaster strikes?  What other resources, local and on the Internet, are available to help with training and decision making?  Through discussions and demonstrations of techniques for air-drying and packing for the freezer, the presentation will address these questions and others raised by participants.