June 28, 2007 Update:

Even though the SE/A Emergency Preparedness Task Force has not officially met since February 28, 2007, they continue to collaborate in developing strategies to help member libraries in disaster or emergency situations:

• Development of MOUs: Dan (Chair) polled the members in June, 2007 by email, with regard to approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) form. Several members responded with questions or suggestions, and several approved the form as it stands. Dan will send the proposed document to Janice soon to be presented to the RAC for approval.
• ANCHASL workshop: Robert conducted the ANCHASL workshop on disaster planning on June 15. The speakers contributed valuable information that will be helpful in the continuing development of institutional and regional plans. Dan's presentation on the RML's role and developing plans marked the debut of the toll free number (800-DEV-ROKS) as well as the proposed roll-out of a regional strategy. It was well received, and was followed by several good questions from the participants that have helped to focus our strategy on some areas that we need to consider in more depth (salvage techniques, disaster supply vendors, commercial salvage services).
• SE/A RML Webcast, June 27, 2007: Dan spoke to 49 members via webcast, showing the PowerPoint from ANCHASL with some added features. Some added content was a result of feedback from participants at the ANCHASL meeting as well as further research on emergency situations and recovery, especially pandemic influenza. The recommendations from the RML are beginning to focus more on service continuity, both on-site and from off-site, as well as salvage strategies.

Outline of the proposed regional plan:

1. whenever your services or collections are compromised by some kind of incident, call 1-800-338-7657 (1-800-DEV-ROKS)

• if necessary, RML will turn off DOCLINE
• if necessary, the RML will help with computer or backup services

1. the RML will notify the Emergency Preparedness Task Force and begin coordinating a response
2. participating resource library or libraries in region will function as primary backup
3. other RMLs included in response, when necessary
4. RML Task Force member for stat is responsible for follow-up and reporting

Proposed structure for emergency preparedness in a health sciences library:

BASIC:

1. identify essential services and resources
2. identify your essential print resources and create a salvaging chart
3. devise a plan for providing essential services and resources from a remote site
4. explore MOUs with other libraries in your area
5. know how to save water-damaged materials

BEYOND:

1. participate in disaster planning at your institution
2. take preservation training classes and be a resource for your institution