Emergency Preparedness for Libraries. Julie Todaro
following these first two cases provide unique elements and characteristics of each type of library. This information provides the “definition” of twenty-first-century emergencies and disasters within each type of library environment.
Scenario—Natural
The weather forecast for the city had been predicting rain and storms for some time. Following a lack of any precipitation since mid-spring, community members were concerned about a strong weather front creating conditions where water might accumulate and cause flooding.
Waynesboro Public Library, faced with an active summer reading club schedule of activities for children and teens, decided to continue programming for the weekend in the absence of a formal “emergency conditions” prediction by weather/newscasters and city management. The children’s and young adult library staff continued with preparations for the teen read-in for Friday night, but decided to keep an eye on the weather.
Friday morning began as overcast and by noon the sky was grey but not ominous. While staff kept an eye on the weather, plans for the read-in went ahead, and by 4:00 p.m. the library was filled with young people and the favorite three books they wanted to share with others. At 7:00 p.m., however, the rain began—not with a drizzle—but with a major downpour. By 8:30 p.m., the streets and the sidewalks were filled with water and the library’s parking lot was flooded with over twelve inches of water.
Library phones and teen cell phones began to ring as parents called to check on their children and to say that official statements from city management indicated that everyone should stay off the streets. A few parents made it to the library but then couldn’t easily leave as the intersection near the library was completed flooded. By 9:15 p.m., police had set up roadblocks and no cars were allowed in or out of the intersection and thus in or out of the library parking lot.
Library workers were faced with an evening—possibly a sleepover—with dozens of teens! In addition, the library’s rear/staff door opened onto the parking lot at lot level and—as the front of the lot filled—water began to seep into the staff entrance area.
Scenarios—Steps to Solutions
1. Read the case, study the situation thoroughly. Take no immediate position or role. Underline what you feel are the important or relevant facts or statements.
The weather forecast for the city had been predicting rain and storms for some time. Following a lack of any precipitation since mid-spring, community members were concerned about a strong weather front creating conditions where water might accumulate and cause flooding.
Waynesboro Public Library, faced with an active summer reading club schedule of activities for children and teens, decided to continue programming for the weekend in the absence of a formal “emergency conditions” prediction by weather/newscasters and city management. The children’s and young adult library staff continued with preparations for the teen read-in for Friday night, but decided to keep an eye on the weather.
Friday morning began as overcast and by noon the sky was grey but not ominous. While staff kept an eye on the weather, plans for the read-in went ahead, and by 4:00 p.m. the library was filled with young people and the favorite three books they wanted to share with others. At 7:00 p.m., however, the rain began—not with a drizzle—but with a major downpour. By 8:30 p.m., the streets and the sidewalks were filled with water and the library’s parking lot was flooded with over twelve inches of water.
Library phones and teen cell phones began to ring as parents called to check on their children and to say that official statements from city management indicated that everyone should stay off the streets. A few parents made it to the library but then couldn’t easily leave as the intersection near the library was completed flooded. By 9:15 p.m., police had set up roadblocks and no cars were allowed in or out of the intersection and thus in or out of the library parking lot.
Library workers were faced with an evening—possibly a sleepover—with dozens of teens! In addition, the library’s rear/staff door opened onto the parking lot at lot level and—as the front of the lot filled—water began to seep into the staff entrance area.
2. List the important or relevant facts and/or statements of the situation.
• This was not an immediate or unexpected event. Rain, storms, and flooding had been predicted.
• The library made a conscious decision to continue programming.
• Library managers were waiting for an official emergency notification from the city.
• Library workers were attempting to monitor the weather.
• Library workers did not address the rain situation when it began even though the rain began as a downpour and water accumulation occurred immediately.
• Parents expressed concern immediately, and several parents as well as teens were at the library.
• City administration made an official ruling later in the evening.
• City workers, thus city officials, set up roadblocks that shut off access or exit from the library.
• Library workers were faced with an evening of constituents staying overnight at a public facility.
• Library workers are faced with possible flooding of the library.
3. List the characters or “players” in the situation, and list them in relevant categories. Several categories could include those directly involved, those indirectly involved, and those affected by the situation.
Directly Involved:
• Staff in the library during this situation serving constituents
• Staff in the library during this situation and managing this event/these constituents
• Constituents in the library—mentioned in the case
• Constituents in the library—not mentioned in the case but possibly using the library in activities not connected to this event
• Teens in the library program
• Parents who came to the library when concerned
• Parents phoning teens to find out what was going on
Indirectly Involved:
• Administration/management of the library if they are not present/listed above
• Parents not coming to the library
• Parents not phoning
• Parents expected to pick up teens when the program is over
• Individuals responsible for handling building repairs
• Individuals responsible for assessing flooding conditions and closing/opening the library
Those Affected by the Situation:
• Constituents who may want to use the library but it is closed
• Library staff who may be coming to work for evening shifts
4. List the primary issues and/or problems in the situation.
• Safety issues concerning the public spending the night in a city facility
• Safety issues concerning underage teens spending the night in a city facility
• Flooding in the library/damaging resources
• Communication issues on closure, given parents needing to know about their children
• Coordinating constituents existing the library post flood conditions
5. Given what you know, prioritize the issues or problems in the situation.
• Flooding in the library/damaging resources
• Safety issues concerning underage teens spending the night in a city facility
• Safety