For questions concerning emergency preparedness and response for Harvard Library collections, contact the Weissman Preservation Center (617-495-8596) or Collections Care (617-495-8871).
Emergency Preparedness Training
We offer a variety of educational and training opportunities to Harvard library staff members, including readings, procedures, lectures, workshops, demonstrations, table top exercises, and practice sessions. Training is tailored to the needs of each Harvard library collection.
Guidelines for Emergencies
-
Guidelines for Managing Mold Contamination
-
Hurricane Preparedness for Harvard Libraries
- Additional Harvard Guidelines
Workshops
- Collections-Salvage Session Trains Staff to Respond to Wet-Book Emergencies, HUL Library Notes, November 2006.
- On October 29, 2003, the Library Collections Emergency Team (LCET) of the Harvard University Library and the Harvard College Library staged a day-long mock disaster in Allston, Massachusetts. More than 40 staff members from 20 Harvard libraries participated in training classes and hands-on salvage operations to prepare them for confronting a real water emergency.
Emergency Supplies
Use this checklist to create a stock of emergency supplies. These are the recommended supplies and quantities for handling emergencies involving up to 500 books. Based on the size or nature of the library’s collections, it may be prudent to prepare to salvage more than 500 books. If so, multiply the recommended quantities by the appropriate factor (e.g., to respond to an emergency involving 2000 books, multiply recommended quantities by four).
Please contact HCL Conservation Services (5-3494) or the Weissman Preservation Center (5-8596) for specific product information.
