Crash Course in Disaster Preparedness

March 1, 2019

This no-nonsense workbook from Cowick (director of preservation svcs., Preserve This) helps libraries prepare for disasters. Many libraries have emergency plans but may not have considered salvage priorities or keeping a copy of their plans off site. Here, the author discusses organizing a disaster team and provides worksheets with pertinent tasks. She covers fire- and water-related issues, mold and pests, medical emergencies, large-scale theft by patrons and staff, active shooters, bomb threats, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes, addressing prevention, response, and salvage and recovery procedures, as well as communication. Also included are exercises and drills for staff training, an annotated bibliography, and a chapter on technology tools. Though the real-life examples aren't detailed case studies, readers may find that knowing another library has dealt with an infestation of bedbugs, for instance, gives them a starting point. VERDICT An excellent tool for training and planning sessions for library staff, boards, and government officials.--Susan Belsky, Oshkosh P.L., WI

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