Disaster Planning and Recovery for Libraries: General Resources

Disasters strike every area of the country, and disasters do not spare libraries. Usually there is little or no warning, and the best defense is a plan for effective response.
This fact sheet is a selective resource for libraries of all sizes and types. It contains links to disaster preparedness web sites whose primary role is emergency response or conservation, and to information on available training, and to other available resources, as well contains a select book bibliography.

This web site, operated by the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation, contains links to topics including the conservation of particular materials, healthy and safety, mold, and pest management.

FEMA offers guidelines for planning for and coping with disasters, as well as information about applying for recovery assistance.

FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution cosponsor the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, a partnership of 42 national service organizations and federal agencies created to protect cultural heritage from the damaging effects of natural disasters and other emergencies.

An exhaustive site with information on collection maintenance, preservation, emergency preparedness, and preparedness outreach.

NEDCC provides preservation services as well as disaster assistance for those needing recovery help with paper-based collections.