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If the worst happens: the use and effectiveness of disaster plans in libraries and archives

Adrienne Muir (Lecturer in the Department of Information Science at Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK)
Sarah Shenton (Recently completed a Library and Information Studies Master’s Degree at Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK)

Library Management

ISSN: 0143-5124

Article publication date: 1 May 2002

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Abstract

The disaster plan is promoted as a central part of disaster management. Six case studies of UK libraries and archives were used to investigate the development and use of disaster plans. During a disaster, the key in any response is leadership, an experienced team of staff with knowledge of the collections and on‐site conservation expertise. The most useful part of the plan for disaster response is its contact lists. However, the plan is an important policy and training document. It requires continued managerial commitment and should be supported by an organisational culture of disaster awareness and prevention. Organisational issues are the major constraint on the effectiveness of disaster planning and response. There is a need to investigate current levels of planning in the UK in order to determine what still needs to be done in terms of awareness raising. Methods of testing the disaster plan and co‐operation in disaster management also require further research.

Keywords

Citation

Muir, A. and Shenton, S. (2002), "If the worst happens: the use and effectiveness of disaster plans in libraries and archives", Library Management, Vol. 23 No. 3, pp. 115-123. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120210697216

Publisher

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MCB UP Ltd

Copyright © 2002, Authors

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