Robertson on Library Security and Disaster Planning

28

Disaster? No plan? What a library director should do

Abstract

A fictional library director is faced with a disaster. A fire destroys a branch, and there is no disaster plan in place. What now? There are seven recommended steps to deal with the circumstances. These steps include information gathering, anticipating negative media attention, supporting library staff, deputizing, normalizing, and planning for the future.

Keywords

Disaster

Disaster plan

Library director

Library board

Branch

Damage

Crisis

Deputize

Normalize

New media

“I always pass on good advice,” wrote Oscar Wilde. “It is the only thing to do with it. It is never of use to oneself.” Since you became the director of your library, you’ve agreed wholeheartedly. When a colleague ...