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 roles, responsibilities and procedures that the library uses to share information during a crisis
- Sample COVID-19 Communication Plan OutlineIn addition to a standing communications plan, it can be beneficial to create a separate plan in response to a specific incident. This sample plan from CAPIO, shows how a city might identify goals, key messages, target audiences and a communications strategy in response to COVID-19.
- Sample Social Media Use Policy – Napa CountyThis sample policy includes guidelines for managing the county’s social media accounts, including policies for posting content, managing comments and responding to public questions.
- Smartsheet: Editable Disaster Recovery Template This editable template can help your team to quickly develop a disaster communication plan.
Webinars and Education
- Infopeople: Creating a Crisis Communication Plan that WorksThis webinar, hosted by Kim Crowder, Communications Director for the Indianapolis Public Library, covers the key aspects of crisis communication, including roles, messaging and communication channels
- The California Association of Public Information Officers (CAPIO)CAPIO offers a wide range of training opportunities and communication resources
- CAPIO: Communicating During Crisis – Using Social Media to Share Your Story Quickly, Authentically and TransparentlyLearn techniques and tools for communicating via social media during an emergency (view webinar slides here)
- Granicus: Communicating During a Public Health CrisisIn this webinar, panelists share the unique aspects of COVID crisis communication and share lessons learned from past public health events.
Planning Resources
- Successfully Communicating with Key MessagesThis article provides guidance on how to develop and deliver key messages.
- CAPIO: Crisis Response Beyond the BasicsThese slides cover the importance of several elements of crisis communication, including key messages, fact sheets, holding statements and news releases. Also included are several rich examples that can help guide your library’s communication efforts.
- Ready.gov: Crisis Communication Resources This page features detailed guidance and tools to assist with disaster response
Additional Reading
- Disaster Response and Planning for Libraries, 3rd Ed by Miriam Kahn
- The Library’s Crisis Communications Planner: A PR Guide for Handling Every Emergency by Jan Thenell