Disaster preparedness is more than just an exercise in planning. It also involves considering the ways in which library culture and staff capacity contribute to resiliency. Staff of the Tehama County Library pose for a photo following the opening of the library’s new central branch in Red Bluff. We asked six NLS library leaders to […]
Engage the library community
Once your team has had a chance to identify likely risks and review existing disaster plans, invite a broader range of staff, volunteers and community members into the conversation. Engaging the library community in planning can be done informally or through a community meeting. Encourage people to share their ideas on table sheets, post-it notes […]
Review existing disaster response plans
Library disaster response efforts do not take place in a vacuum. Make sure to review existing plans in place for your county or city and to coordinate planning efforts with local government partners. Solano County staff in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) support response efforts during the 2017 Northern California wildfires. Familiarize yourself with city […]
Identify your library’s risk
In the world of disaster preparedness, organizations need to consider hazards and risks: A hazard is an event that has the potential to cause harm. A risk is the likelihood that a given hazard will actually cause harm. While wildfires are the most common hazard in the NorthNet region, libraries in the Sierra Nevada mountains, […]
Assemble your team
Effective disaster responses always come down to people. Even the most well written disaster response plans will be ineffective without capable action on the part of staff members and volunteers. Get your planning process off to a strong start by identifying the right mix of people to help lead preparedness efforts. Identify an emergency coordinator […]
Disaster Planning Resources
Whether your library is looking to create a new disaster plan or improve on an existing plan, the resources below will assist you in the process. If you have a resource to share on LibraryRecovery.org, please email NorthNet Library System at NLSadmin@plpinfo.org. Disaster Planning Guides NJ State Library: Librarian’s Disaster Planning and Community Resiliency GuidebookThis […]
Communication Resources
In a disaster, clear communication is paramount. The following resources include training, webinars, templates and planning resources to improve your library’s communication. If you have a resource to share on LibraryRecovery.org, please contact NorthNet Library System at NLSadmin@plpinfo.org. Sample Plans and Templates Sample Crisis Communication Plan – Georgia Public LibraryThis editable sample plan includes the […]