The Institute of Museum and Library Services participates in the Heritage Emergency National Task Force, a partnership of 62 national service organizations and federal agencies created to protect cultural heritage from the damaging effects of natural disasters and other emergencies.
Cultural Institutions or Arts Organizations that have been impacted by the recent storm can fill out one of the following Rapid Damage Assessment Forms:
Cultural institutions, arts organizations, and artists and performing groups can call the National Heritage Responders hotline: 202.661.8068. The National Heritage Responders, a team of trained conservators and collections care professionals administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, are available 24/7 to provide advice and guidance.
This LoC site contains quick reference to the care of materials damaged by water, smoke, mold, and other types of contamination. It includes video demonstrations on how to interleave books for air drying, how to dry photographs, how to wrap books for freezing, and how to wash CDs. RealPlayer is required to view webcasts.
Library materials can be damaged by water from flooding or a leak, or mold caused by excess humidity. Here are some guidelines for salvaging materials from water or moisture damage.