I work in a medium-sized public library, where special collections are just a small part of this suburban system. However, I don't want to _think_ of the cost of repairing a damaged Central library, or even any of the branches. The public looks to the libraries to be open, available and convenient, and extensive closings to repair damage does not fill our mission. Also, these days smaller municipalities don't have a lot of ready cash, and the cost to repair buildings, furniture, regular collections, computers, etc. would put a burden on the county budget - money issues may make repairs take longer than expected. And this doesn't even cover the rare local history materials we have in our building! Taking the time to have a plan in place to get things going is not only good for the collections, but makes the library look good to the rest of the local government and the public by appearing in control and making progress on the damage. -Heather ------------------ Heather Crocetto Archivist Virginia Room, Arlington County Public Library Phone: (703) 228-7724 Fax: (703) 228-7720 http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/Libraries/history/LibrariesHistory Archives.aspx -----Original Message----- From: Archives & Archivists [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Patrick ngulube Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2006 2:43 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Disaster preparedness in public libraries Dear Colleagues A couple of weeks ago I gave a talk to public librarians and I underscored the need for them to be prepared for disasters. One senior librarian was very critical of my presentation as he felt that disaster preparedness was not a major concern for public librarianship. I disagreed with him. I would like to know the views of the members of the Listserv concerning this issue. Thank you in anticipation. Patrick Professor Patrick Ngulube University of KwaZulu-Natal (PMB) Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Sciences School of Sociology and Social Studies Information Studies Programme Private Bag X01 Scottsville, 3209 Pietermaritzburg South Africa Tel: +27 (0)33 260 5972 Cell: +27 828527612 Fax: +27 (0)33 260 5092 E-mail: [log in to unmask] http://www.hs.unp.ac.za/infs/bio3.htm "The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own." Benjamin Disraeli -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please find our disclaimer at http://www.ukzn.ac.za/disclaimer -------------------------------------------------------------------- <<<<gwavasig>>>> A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, www.archivists.org. For the terms of participation, please refer to http://www.archivists.org/listservs/arch_listserv_terms.asp. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] In body of message: SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname *or*: UNSUB ARCHIVES To post a message, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html Problems? Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <[log in to unmask]> A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, www.archivists.org. For the terms of participation, please refer to http://www.archivists.org/listservs/arch_listserv_terms.asp. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] In body of message: SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname *or*: UNSUB ARCHIVES To post a message, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html Problems? Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <[log in to unmask]>