Introduction

As librarians and archivists, we specialize in the preservation of information in its many different forms. A part of our duties involves being well prepared for any eventuality that could befall our collections. We do not always recognize this fact, but we stand constantly in the face of disaster. Destruction can strike at any time, often when we are least capable of handling it. That which we stand to lose is often irreplaceable, something for which even insurance cannot promise to compensate: information and the materials that detail our history. Any loss now is even a greater loss for posterity.

The New York State Conservation and Preservation Discretionary Grant Program has provided the Northern New York Library Network with support to assist the Northern New York library and archival community in preparing for and responding to the kinds of disasters that can destroy collections. This preparedness manual offers the opportunity to be prepared for, and hopefully prevent, disasters caused by water, fire and other potentially destructive forces.

To create a firm foundation for disaster preparedness, the first charge is to work closely with those within the institution who can best help establish a strong commitment to effective planning: directors and board members. It is important to keep in mind that as long as there is no disaster plan in place in the institution, collections are at serious risk. Simply having this manual nearby is not enough. It is not simply a reference book -- it is a workbook. It is only the beginning, since it represents the start of a process that must be undertaken by an institution's staff. It is imperative to use this workbook to create a detailed and workable disaster plan unique to each institution for the care and protection of its valuable contents. Only by working through the checklists and forms incorporated in this manual can a customized plan for an organization be created.