Hoover, Sara

Thompson, JoLinda

English

George Washington University: Health Sciences Research Commons (HSRC)

After the Flood: Disaster as a Collections Management Opportunity SARA HOOVER, MLIS, MA, METADATA AND SCHOLARLY PUBLISHING LIBRARIAN, HIMMELFARB HEALTH SCIENCES LIBRARY, THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, WASHINGTON, DC, SHOOVER@GWU.EDUJOLINDA THOMPSON, MLS, AHIP, SYSTEMS LIBRARIAN, HIMMELFARB HEALTH SCIENCES LIBRARY, THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, WASHINGTON, DC, JLT@GWU.EDUWhat Happened: Early February 2019: Pipes supplying steam for heating burst in the Himmelfarb Library basement level book stacks Books beneath the pipes sustained water damage Staff followed disaster management techniques outlined in Himmelfarb’s 911! LibGuideHimmelfarb Library Stacks, Feb. 2019Disaster Response:  ~10 library employees moved damaged books onto carts  Books were placed on tables for drying and damage assessment Salvageable books were systematically dried and returned to the shelves ~260 books worth ~$30K were deemed unsalvageable and withdrawn A detailed list of withdrawn items was created for insurance purposes Himmelfarb Library Stacks, Feb. 2019Unexpected Outcomes: Undertook weeding projects in damaged subject areas  Identified 3 subject areas (Surgery, Ophthalmology, Obstetrics) where material losses were comprehensive Initiated communications with faculty about material replacement Worked with faculty to ensure that collections were updated with the most recent publications Himmelfarb Library Stacks, Feb. 2019Updating Library Policies: Himmelfarb 911! LibGuiderevised to reflect what worked and what didn’t Photographic evidence of the flood and new shelf order created  Collection development plan updated with guidelines to prioritize material replacementHimmelfarb 911! LibGuideThe Silver Lining: Flood provided an opportunity to revitalize communications with faculty about new materials in their field  Initiated overdue weeding projects Updated disaster preparedness documents  Updated collections management policies Envisioned ways to build smarter and stronger collections Himmelfarb Library Stacks, Feb. 2019Thank You!!!

After the Flood: Disaster as a Collections Management Opportunity

https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1107&context=libfacpres

After the Flood: Disaster as a Collections Management Opportunity

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

George Washington University: Health Sciences Research Commons (HSRC)