Be Prepared: Library Disaster Planning
March 28th, 2013In Conservation Services we borrow the Boy Scouts’ motto of “Be Prepared” when it comes to disaster planning. In order to be ready to combat any flood, fire, or leak that might happen, we take various preventive steps. We have a disaster plan in place for every library at the University of Kansas, including Kenneth Spencer Research Library. We have a Collections Emergency Response Team that undergoes periodic emergency preparedness and response training. Also, in each library we have placed disaster kits full of commonly used disaster supplies to be ready to respond quickly.
Our kits are on wheels and were retrofitted with a handle so they are easy to transport to a disaster site. Supplies include paper towels, sponges, caution tape, bucket, extension cord, scissors, flashlight (with batteries), and lots of plastic sheeting. The kits are checked yearly to keep them well stocked.
Fortunately Spencer Library has a good roof and is solidly built so we’ve had relatively few problems. But we are ready if need be.
Whitney Baker
Head, Conservation Services