Disaster Planning for Special Libraries

Disaster Planning for Special Libraries contains a guide for developing and maintaining disaster plans for small special libraries and related work units.

This volume serves as a reference resource, not only for people who have never considered the disaster planning process, but also for experienced planners interested in a variety of approaches to different aspects of planning.

The author discusses the role of the special librarian in the planning process and considers the relationship between special libraries and their host organizations. He emphasizes the importance of coordinating a special library's plan with any in place for its host organization, and encourages librarians to demonstrate their planning skills for organization-wide benefits.

Early chapters summarize the initial phases of the planning process, which include preparedness and response measures. Subsequent chapters cover the assessment of damage to special library facilities and assets, the implications of declaring a disaster, the development of strategic alliances with key suppliers, orientation and training, succession planning, operational resumption, the normalization of library operations, and auditing a disaster plan. The concluding chapter discusses concerns that special librarians might have with regard to the future and its risks.

Appendices include examples of a risk assessment and analysis and a risk mitigation program, a strike and protest plan, an emergency equipment inspection and audit report, a pandemic management program, and disaster response manager's kit.

• Presents essential information in an accessible manner
• Considers the disaster-related needs and experiences of special library personnel
• Discusses a variety of risks to special libraries in different kinds of physical locations
• Offers different approaches to a broad range of disaster planning topics in special libraries
• Provides examples of essential planning documentation

"COVID-19, something that left many library personnel having to think on their feet and be creative, receives attention in the areas it impacted. Initially it is discussed in the area of job security, and income consistency, then, as per its listing in the contents page index: 'Appendix 5: corporate library pandemic management program'. Appendix 5 provides a very interesting and timely discussion on how so many libraries (and many other businesses I imagine) were caught short by the pandemic - and notes this was the case even during the flu pandemic a hundred years ago. While management plans have considered many of the issues common to their location, e.g. floods or earthquakes, and have adjusted with time to include increasingly possible terrorist attacks or computer hacking, the concept of a world-wide pandemic seems to have been too unimaginable to even be considered. What is extremely useful here is the presentation of the NSICL (Norfolk Square Investments Corporate Library) developed Pandemic Management Program. If for no other reason, purchasing this book will give you this well put-together, thorough, and organised plan that could easily be adapted to the unique needs of any library. Over several pages, the check-lists, explanations, and recommendations for Pandemic Preparation are succinct, accessible and something you'll probably find yourself using as a base for your own newly identified policy/procedure needs!" --Journal of the Austrailian Library and Information Associated

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