Resources
Preservation Leaflets
Click here to view a full list of available leaflets
emergency management
3.5 Emergency Management Bibliography
Karen E. Brown
Field Service Representative
Northeast Document Conservation Center
There are many good publications dealing with the subject of emergency planning, preparedness and recovery for museum, library, and archival materials. Many have been designed for use as templates, simplifying the process. In addition, as attachments to your formal plan, portions of many articles and manuals can provide a fast reference for detailed information about materials, technologies, experts, ideas, and suggestions during an emergency.
Emergency Planning
Ball, Cynthia ed. Help! A Survivor's Guide to Emergency Preparedness. Alberta, CA: Museums Alberta, 2003.
Brooks, Constance. Preservation Planning Program Guides: Disaster Preparedness. Washington, DC: Association of Research Libraries, Spring 1993. 184 pp.
This volume is one of a set of 7 guides. Cost is $15 each, or $70 for the set. To order, contact ARL at ARL Publications-WEB, Department #0692, Washington, DC 20073-0692 or order through their Web site, http://arl.cni.org/pubscat.html
Buchanan, Sally A. Disaster Planning: Preparedness and Recovery for Libraries and Archives. RAMP Publication PGI-88/WS/6. Paris: United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, 1988. 187 pp.
An efficient review of Buchanan's conceptual structure for disaster preparedness, which remains a model for the library field. Available from UNESCO, Division of the General Information Programme, 7 Place de Fontenoy, 75700 Paris, France. Single copies are free.
Canadian Conservation Institute."Emergency Preparedness for Cultural Institutions," CCI Notes 14/1, and "Emergency Preparedness for Cultural Institutions: Identifying and Reducing Hazards," CCI Notes 14/2. Ottawa: CCI, 1995.
A good starting point. Available from CCI, 1030 Innes Road, Ottawa, ON K1A 0M5 Canada, or tel. (613) 998-3721.
Coleman, Christopher. "Practical Large-Scale Disaster Planning." Westwords 2 (May 1992): 1–20.
Covers the problems of large institutions with many independent units (e.g., multi-library university systems or branch libraries).
Fortson, Judith. Disaster Planning and Recovery: A How-To-Do-It-Manual for Librarians and Archivists. How-To-Do-It Manuals for Libraries, No. 21. New York: Neal Schuman Publishers, 1992. 181 pp. $45.00.
Excellent, comprehensive guidance for emergency preparedness, risk prevention, response, and recovery. Includes resource lists, bibliography, decision tree. If you can buy only one emergency planning guide, this should be it.
Fox, Lisa L. Disaster Preparedness Workbook for U.S. Navy Libraries and Archives. Newport, RI: U.S. Naval War College Library, 1998. Forthcoming.
A comprehensive guide to emergency planning, including topics such as response to wildfire. Extensive bibliography.
George, Susan, comp. Emergency Planning and Management in College Libraries. CLIP Note No. 17. Chicago: Association of College and Research Libraries, and ALA, 1994. 146 pp.
Compiled from a survey of small college and university library policies. Includes sample plans. To order, call ALA at (800) 545-2433 and press 7 to reach ALA's Customer Service Representatives (Open 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., CST, Monday–Friday). For 24-hour service, FAX your order: (312) 836-9958. Or, mail your order to American Library Association, Order Fulfillment, 155 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606.
Haskins, Scott M. How to Save Your Stuff From a Disaster. Santa Barbara, CA: Preservation Help Publications, 1996.
A basic response guide for the general public touching on most aspects of disaster preparedness, with emphasis on recovering collections (e.g., paper and books, fine art, furniture, etc.). The advice and information are sound, and the presentation is user-friendly. Available from Preservation Help Publications, PO Box 1206, Santa Barbara, CA, 93102, tel. (800) 833-9226, or tel. (805) 899-9226. Cost: $19.95.
Kahn, Miriam. Disaster Prevention and Response for Special Libraries: An Information Kit. Washington, D.C.: Special Libraries Association, 1995.
This has a very useable checklist format designed to aid in preventing disasters, with an extensive bibliography for further information. Good coverage on machine-readable strategies. Available from Special Libraries Association, 1700 18th Street, N.W., Washington, DC. 20009-2508, tel. (202) 234-4700, ext. 643.
Lord, Allyn, Carolyn Reno, and Marie Demeroukas. Steal This Handbook! A Template for Creating a Museum’s Emergency Preparedness Plan. Columbia, SC: Southeastern Registrars Association, 1994.
Covers everything from mechanical failure to volcanic eruption and is an excellent reference resource. Out of print, but well worth trying to obtain a used copy, or through interlibrary loan.
Merrill-Oldham, Jan, and Jutta Reed-Scott, eds. Preservation Planning Program: An Assisted Self-Study Manual for Libraries. Rev. ed. Washington, D.C.: ARL Office of Management Studies, 1993.
"Developed to help libraries plan and implement preservation programs in a process that educates and involves a large number of staff members. Outlines a comprehensive self-study process, and augmented by a guide to disaster planning." Lisa Fox. Available from ARL/OMS Dept. #0692, Washington, D.C. 20073-0692 (202) 296–2296.
O'Connell, Mildred. "Disaster Planning: Writing and Implementing Plans for Collections-Holding Institutions." Technology and Conservation (Summer 1983): 18–24.
A succinct and practical approach to disaster planning. Every planning committee should read it before undertaking the task.
Ogden, Sherelyn, ed. Preservation of Library and Archival Materials: A Manual, Third Edition, Revised and Expanded. Andover, MA: Northeast Document Conservation Center, 1999.
A compilation of preservation leaflets or brief guides to significant preservation concepts and procedures. Topics include salvage procedures for books, documents, and photographs; mold control; sources of services; short-form emergency preparedness plan. Contact NEDCC at (978) 470-1010, or access these leaflets at http://www.nedcc.org.
Reilly, Julie A. Are You Prepared? Omaha, Nebraska: The Nebraska State Historical Society, 1997.
Useful to institutions creating their first disaster plan. Designed to be used as a template. Available from the Nebraska State Historical Society, c/o The Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center, 1326 South 32nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68105. Cost is $10.00 including shipping.
Roberts, Barbara O. "Emergency Preparedness." In Storage of Natural History Collections: A Preventive Conservation Approach, Vol. I, eds. Carolyn L. Rose, Catharine A. Hawks, and Hugh H. Genoways, 81–99. Iowa City, Iowa: Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections, 1995.
Discusses the issues associated with creating a disaster plan and practical tips for ensuring effective implementation. Useful detailed appendices contain information resources and emergency checklists.
Schur, Susan E. "Disaster Prevention, Response, and Recovery: A Selected Bibliography." Technology & Conservation (Summer 1994): 21–23, and (Fall 1995): 23–34.
A must for anyone doing in-depth research into any disaster topic, retrospective to 1962.
Management
Association of Research Libraries, Office of Management Services. Insuring Library Collections and Buildings. SPEC Kit 178. ARL, Oct. 1991. Cost $46.00.
Brawner, L.B. "Insurance and Risk Management for Libraries." Public Library Quarterly 13.1 (1993): 5–16, and 13.2 (1993): 29–34.
Part I covers the function of insurance and defines risk and insurance categories. Part II discusses supplemental coverages. Good starter articles.
Flitner, Arthur. "An Insurance Primer for the Local Historical Organization". American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) Technical Leaflet 147 (1983). Nashville, TN: AASLH.
Brief, helpful description of levels and types of insurance coverage for any collecting institution. This and other excellent publications can be ordered through their Web site, http://www.aaslh.org, by writing to 530 Church Street, Suite 600, Nashville, TN 37219-2325, or (615) 255-2971.
Fox, Lisa L. "Management Strategies for Disaster Preparedness." The ALA Yearbook of Library and Information Services 14 (1989): 1–6.
An excellent summary of management and implementation strategies for putting theory into practice. To order, call ALA at (800) 545-2433 and press 7 to reach ALA's Customer Service Representatives (Open 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., CST, Monday–Friday). For 24-hour service, FAX your order: (312) 836-9958. Or, mail your order to American Library Association, Order Fulfillment, 155 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606.
Higginbotham, Barbra Buckner, and Miriam B. Kahn. "Disasters for Directors: The Role of the Library or Archives Director in Disaster Preparedness and Recovery." In Advances in Preservation and Access, Vol. 2, ed. Barbra Buckner Higginbotham, 400–412. Medford, NJ: Learned Information, Inc., 1995.
Describes the critical role of the director during an emergency. A must read if you are in charge.
Inland Marine Underwriters Association. Libraries & Archives: An Overview of Risk and Loss Prevention. IMUA: 1994.
A 35-page report that includes information on the libraries and archives industry, coverage and policy issues, valuation, exposures and loss prevention, and disaster planning. Available free to members, $50.00 for non-members. This and other publications can be ordered through the IMUA Web site, http://www.imua.org.
Lunde, Diane B. "Aftermath of a Disaster: Establishing a Rebinding Program." The New Library Scene 17.2 (June 1998): 10–13, 19, 22–23.
Describes a large scale book recovery and repair program at Colorado State University Libraries following the 1997 flood in Fort Collins.
McGiffin, Gail E. "Sharing the Risk." History News 48.1 (January/February 1993): 16–19.
Uses case studies to describe the advantages of insurance coverage to minimize the impact of disaster.
Smith, Scott. "Insurance Planning." History News 48.1 (January/February 1993): 18–19, 37.
Common sense advice for working with an insurance provider.
Sylves, Richard T., and William L. Waugh. Disaster Management in the U.S. and Canada Second edition. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas,1996.
Discussion papers and analysis of disaster preparedness and response based on actual incidents. Extensive bibliography.
Fire
Artim, Nick. "An Introduction to Automatic Fire Sprinklers." WAAC Newsletter 15.3 (September 1994): 20–27, and 17.2 (May1995): 23–28.
Explains the various types of sprinkler systems and their advantages and disadvantages.
Frens, Dale H. "Specifying Temporary Protection of Historic Interiors During Construction and Repair." Preservation Tech Note. Washington, D.C.: National Park Service. 1993.
A must for anyone considering renovations, a time when buildings and collections are at high risk of fire damage. Copies can be obtained from Heritage Preservation Services Information Desk (2255), National Center for Cultural Resource Stewardship and Partnerships, PO Box 37127, Washington, D.C., 20013-7127, tel. (202) 343-9538, or e-mail hps_info@nps.gov.
National Fire Protection Association. NFPA 909: Standard for the Protection of Cultural Resources Including Museums, Libraries, Places of Worship, and Historic Properties; NFPA 914: Recommended Practice for Fire Protection in Historic Structures. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association. Contact them at 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101, tel. (617) 770-3000, or order through their Web site, http://www.nfpa.org.
These standards discuss the causes, prevention, detection, and suppression of fire in libraries, museums, archives, and historic structures. They contain descriptions and standards for fire detection/suppression equipment, synopsis of the role of the institution's staff in fire protection, and a bibliography of resources. Each includes useful self-inspection checklists.
Stoppacher, Linda Swenson. "Culture Shock: Fire Protection for Historic and Cultural Property." Videorecording. Boston University, American Studies Program 1996, 23 minutes.
An excellent introduction to fire safety equipment for those responsible for disaster prevention in historic house museums, or anyone interested in fire protection for cultural collections. Write to the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, c/o Training and Education, MSU Box 5682, Natchitoches, LA 71497. Free.
Trinkley, Michael. "Protecting Your Institution from Wild Fires: Planning Not to Burn and Learning to Recover. http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/byauth/trinkley/wildfire.html (14 August 1998).
Good advice for site preparation to help prevent wildfire damage to buildings.
Watts, John M. Fire Safe Building Rehabilitation. 1st ed. Quincy, MA: National Fire Protection Association, 2003.
Wilson, J. Andrew. "Fire Protection." In Storage of Natural History Collections: A Preventive Conservation Approach, Vol. I, eds. Carolyn L. Rose, Catharine A. Hawks, and Hugh H. Genoways, 57–79. Iowa City, Iowa: Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections, 1995.
Comprehensive discussion on all aspects of fire protection for cultural institutions, including disaster planning, prevention and reaction to fire, as well as building design considerations.
Flood
Berry, Michael A., Jeff Bishop, Claude Blackburn, Eugene C. Cole, William G. Ewald, Terry Smith, Nathan Suazo, and Steve Swan. "Suggested Guidelines for Remediation of Damage from Sewage Backflow into Buildings." Journal of Environmental Health 57.3 (October 1994): 9–15.
Overview of the risks associated with sewage, including guidelines for safe recovery.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Cleaning Up Your House After a Flood. Ottawa, ON: CMHC, 1993. Order number 6789E, $3.95.
Outlines the health risks associated with flood, with clear instructions for drying out and cleaning flood- or water-damaged buildings and contents. A standard reference guide for everyone, especially homeowners. Call CMHC at (800) 668-2642, or order through their Web site at http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/Boutique/Info-products/nfrm/index.html.
Department of the Interior. National Park Service. Preservation Assistance Division. After the Flood: Emergency Stabilization and Conservation Measures. Washington, D.C.: NPS, 1995.
Provides first response procedures for historic structures affected by flood. With good bibliography attached. For a free copy, contact Division of Publications, National Park Service, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0050, tel. (304) 535-6018.
Federal Emergency Management Agency/Federal Insurance Administration. "Flood-Resistant Materials Requirements for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas." Technical Bulletin 2-93. Washington, D.C.: FEMA/FIA, 1993.
A good guide for anyone building or renovating in areas at risk of flooding. Prepared in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program. Available from FEMA/FIA Office of Reduction, Technical Standards Division, 500 C St., SW, Room 417, Washington, D.C., 20472.
National Trust for Historic Preservation. "Treatment of Flood-Damaged Older and Historic Buildings." Technical Booklet No. 82 (1993), 16 pages. NTHP Order No. 2182.
Illustrated explanations of the risks associated with floodwaters, and practical suggestions for stabilizing buildings after the water recedes. Available from the National Trust for Historic Preservation through their online catalog, http://www.infoseries.com, under "Natural Disasters and Historic Resources." Free. Other publications are also available on earthquake hazard reduction and hurricane readiness.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. "Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems." Fact Sheet 402-F-93-005. Washington, D.C.: EPA, 1993. 2 pp.
Discusses the serious problems caused by microbial growth and steps for cleaning. Copies are available from IAQ INFO, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, tel. (800) 438-4318.
Electronic and Business Records
Disaster Recovery Journal. A quarterly journal covering all aspects of disaster recovery, but especially strong from a business perspective, including electronic data and impact analysis. Available free in the US and Canada for those involved in contingency planning. Contact the Circulation Department, P.O. Box 510110, St. Louis, MO 63151, or order through their Web site, http://www.drj.com.
Drewes, Jeanne. "Computers: Planning for Disaster." Law Library Journal 81.103 (1989): 103–16.
A guide to main concerns and strategies.
Ianna, Frank. "Disaster Recovery for Businesses." Disaster Recovery Journal (Summer 1997): 39, 40, 42.
Brief but informative discussion on the risk of permanent loss of business due to disaster. A few good statistics with a synopsis of a simulated drama by AT&T.
Jones, Virginia A., and Kris E. Keyes. Emergency Management for Records and Information Programs. Prairie Village, Kansas: ARMA, 1997.
An in-depth detailed sourcebook covering risk management, preparedness, recovery, and resumption of business.
Kahn, Miriam. Disaster Response and Prevention for Computers and Data. Columbus, OH: MBK Consulting, 1994.
An excellent desk reference manual for first response. Includes checklists to assist with planning. Available by contacting MBK at 60 N. Harding Rd., Columbus, OH 43209-1524, tel. (614) 239-8977, or e-mail mbkcons@netexp.net.
Pests
Butcher-Younghans, Sherry and Gretchen E. Anderson. A Holistic Approach to Museum Pest Management. American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) Technical Leaflet 191. Nashville, TN: AASLH, 1990.
Detailed, practical advice for controlling a range of common museum pests. This and other publications can be ordered through their Web site, http://www.aaslh.org, by writing to 530 Church Street, Suite 600, Nashville, TN 37219-2325, or tel. (615) 255-2971.
Harmon, James. Integrated Pest Management in Museum, Library, and Archival Facilities: A Step by Step Approach for the Design, Development, Implementation, and Maintenance of an Integrated Pest Management Program. Indianapolis: Harmon Preservation Pest Management (P.O. Box 40262, Indianapolis, IN 46240), 1993. 140 pp.
A thorough, useful guide to IPM for collections-holding institutions in a 3-ring binder. Covers monitoring, identification, and non-chemical and chemical strategies for pest control for insects and other pests like pigeons.
Parker, Thomas A. Study on Integrated Pest Management for Libraries and Archives. Paris: UNESCO, General Information Program and UNISIST, 1988. Publication number PGI-88/W3/20. 119 pp.
The basics of pest management for cultural institutions.
Story, Keith O. Approaches to Pest Management in Museums. Suitland, MD: Conservation Analytical Laboratory, Smithsonian Institution, 1985. Out-of-print.
Some of the chemical treatment information is outdated, but identification and IPM strategies are good.
Wellheiser, Johanna G. Nonchemical Treatment Processes for Disinfection of Insects and Fungi in Library Collections. NY: K. G. Saur, 1992.
Excellent discussions on the various options for controlling pests in libraries.
Response and Recovery
Environmental Hazards Management Institute. Emergency Action Wheel. Durham, NH: EHMI, 1995.
Like its counterpart, the Emergency Response and Salvage Wheel (below) this is a practical, portable tool to assist in preparing for disaster, and protecting oneself from personal hazard. Especially useful ideas for community-wide disaster preparedness. Available for $3.95 each from EHMI, PO Box 932, Durham, NH 03824, or through their Web site, http://www.ehmi.org.
National Task Force on Emergency Response. Emergency Response and Salvage Wheel. Washington, D.C.: The Task Force, 1997.
A compact reference tool to assist in immediate response procedures for cultural collections in the event of a disaster. Available from the National Task Force on Emergency Response, c/o National Institute for Conservation of Cultural Property, 3299 K Street, Washington, D.C., 20007 or tel. (888) 979-2233. $9.95 each.
Trinkley, Michael. Hurricane! Surviving the Big One: A Primer for Libraries, Museums, and Archives. Atlanta: Southeastern Library Network, Inc. (SOLINET), 1993. 76 pp.
A thorough planning aid for institutions in hurricane areas. Portions will be useful in planning for recovery from any region-wide natural disaster. Available for $10 from SOLINET, 1438 Peachtree Street, Station 200, Atlanta, GA 30309-2955, or tel. (800) 999-8558.
Walsh, Betty. "Salvage Operations for Water Damaged Archival Collections: A Second Glance." WAAC Newsletter 19.2 (March 1997): 12–23.
Excellent recovery guidelines for minor, moderate and major disasters. A summary chart is available with the Newsletter when sold as a standard back issue. The cost is $10; volume discounts given on larger orders. For copies of the Newsletter see the WAAC Web site at http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/waac/wn/wn19/wn19-2/wn19-206.html. Printed back issues with the chart can be ordered through the WAAC Membership Secretary, Chris Stavroudis, 1272 N. Flores St., Los Angeles, CA 90060, tel. (323) 654-8748 or e-mail at cstavrou@ix7.ix.netcom.com.
Internet Resources
The internet has a seemingly limitless number of excellent disaster preparedness and recovery information resources. Other internet listings are available in the Regional Alliance for Preservation newsbrief (September 1997), in Linda Musser and Lisa Recupero’s "Internet Resources on Disasters," College & Research Libraries News (June 1997): 403–407, and at the Natural Hazards Observer Web site (Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado, Boulder), http://www.colorado.edu/hazards. The following is a selection of sites to get you started.
The Boulder Creek Flood Notebook, http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/bcfn/
The Chubb Corporation Library, http://www.chubb.com
Disaster Mitigation Planning Assistance, http://disaster.lib.msu.edu/
Disaster Preparedness and Response, http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/bytopic/disasters
Emergency Information Infrastructure Partnership, http://www.emforum.org
The EnviroCenter, http://envirocenter.com
Federal Emergency Management Agency, http://www.fema.gov
Halon Alternatives Research Corporation, http://www.harc.org
Harvard University Libraries Preservation, http://preserve.harvard.edu
Library of Congress Preservation Directorate, http://www.lcweb.loc.gov/preserv
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), http://www.nfpa.org
National Institute of Disaster Restoration, http://www.ascr.org/
Water Mist Information Index, http://members.aol.com/fpekek/mist_I.htm
Acknowledgements
The author and NEDCC gratefully acknowledge the previous work of Karen Motylewski in the preparation of this preservation leaflet.
© 2007 Northeast Document Conservation Center. All rights reserved.