Disaster management in libraries

Abstract

Presents the preliminary findings of a one‐year British Library Research and Development Department‐funded project looking at disaster management in British libraries. Based on visits to some 30 organizations within and outside the library profession and analysis of 62 library disaster control plans, considers the terms “disaster”, “disaster control planning” and “disaster management”, highlighting the central role of the written disaster control plan. Emphasizes the need for these plans to be managed and supported by risk assessments and regular inspections of buildings and equipment, the identification and use of reliable expert advice, staff training programmes and contingency planning for temporary services, accommodation and storage. Undertlines the importance of personnel issues such as the careful selection of those responsible for disaster management and staff counselling following a disaster, and also the need to investigate insurance cover and to consider the installation of fire detection and suppression systems.