Protecting Library & Archive Collections:
Disaster Preparedness, Response & Recovery

The “Protecting Library & Archive Collections” workshops are presented in a 2-part sequence to produce the following outcomes for disaster preparedness activities:

• Complete a disaster plan by the end of Part 2.
• Learn how to train staff to implement your plan effectively.
• Set pre- and post-disaster action priorities for your collections.
• Learn how to use practical decision-making skills during an emergency.
• Experience salvage procedures for books, documents, and non-print media.

The workshop days are scheduled 5-10 weeks apart. Participants will prepare short assignments prior to the first session; between sessions, they will undertake additional assignments resulting in a completed disaster plan at the end of Part 2. Upon completion, the institution will be invited to join an informal network of WESTPAS trained personnel to provide mutual aid in the event of emergencies involving collections in the region.

Who should attend:  Administrators and staff responsible for emergency preparedness, response and decision-making, in all types of libraries and archives.  By registering for the workshop, the institution commits to supporting the attendee(s) to achieve the workshop's disaster preparedness goals. When possible, please send two attendees from a library or archive so they can work together on the disaster preparedness activities.

Cost:  No charge to the institution.  Funding provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Locations and dates: Currently scheduled workshop locations and dates below. For registration see the WESTPAS schedule of workshops.

February - June 2008 Workshops
Online registration available approximately 2 months before the first workshop date

Alaska
February 28 and September - Alaska Library Association, Fairbanks
April 9 and September - Juneau
April 11 and September - Anchorage

California
April 17 and June 18 - Humboldt County, Eureka
June 16 and October 6 - Fresno County Library
April 15 and June 20 - Alameda County Library, Fremont

Guam
April 4 and May 9

Nevada
March 4 and April 22 - University of Nevada, Reno
March 6 and April 24 - Henderson District Public Library, Las Vegas

Utah
April 9 and May 8 - Southern Utah University, Cedar City
April 16 and May 21 - Utah State University, Logan

Wyoming
June 23 and July 28 - Riverton
June 25 and July 30 - Sheridan
June 27 and August 1 - Cheyenne

Course documents for downloading click here.