PREFACE:

Although major disasters such as fires, floods, or hurricanes, affect academic libraries relatively infrequently, it is our responsibility to be prepared for any emergency, large or small, that threatens our patrons, our staff, or our library collections.

In any disaster, the safety of individuals is of primary importance. Second to this is the protection of the library collections, which cannot be easily replaced regardless of insurance payments or the generosity of our community.

The following contingency plan provides actions to be taken in response to specifically identified disasters; evacuation of personnel, where appropriate, is the first step. Procedures for minimizing damages to the collection and for salvage of damaged materials are outlined, again, according to the type of disaster, including water damage and mold or insect infestation. Key personnel who should be notified to oversee recovery operations have been identified on the “Disaster Response Phone Tree.”

Copies of this plan are to be kept at the following locations:

Circulation Desk

Administration Office

Disaster Team Coordinator (at home)

NMTC Security (cell phone 770-529-2311)

Salvage Coordinator (at home)

Maintenance (ext 4018 or 404-382-9804)

This plan should be updated yearly by researching current practices in library disaster recovery, by verifying sources of supplies and consultation, and by revising personnel lists.