Protecting Cultural Collections: Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Response & Recovery

WESTPAS is once again offering their two-part workshop this spring.  Participants will learn about the various aspects of disaster planning and will start a disaster plan by the end of the second session. 

When and Where:

• Part 1: Prevention & Preparedness – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  Twin Falls Public Library:  April 17, 2012
• Part 2: Response & Recovery – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  Twin Falls Public Library:  June 5, 2012

Sponsored by: Western States & Territories Preservation Assistance Service (WESTPAS)

Instructor: Kris Kern, Librarian, Portland State University, who has been presenting these workshops around the Pacific Northwest for over four years, has a wealth of information to share. 

Workshop results:

• Complete a disaster response & collection salvage plan by the end of Part 2
• Learn how to train staff to implement your plan effectively
• Set pre- and post-disaster action priorities for your collections
• Understand practical decision-making skills needed during an emergency
• Experience salvage procedures for a wide variety of material including books, documents, photos & objects

Assignments: The workshop days are scheduled 4-6 weeks apart. Participants will prepare short assignments prior to the first session. Between sessions, they will undertake additional assignments resulting in a completed disaster plan at the end of Part 2. Upon completion, the institution will be invited to join an informal network of WESTPAS trained personnel to provide mutual aid in the event of emergencies involving collections in the region.

Who should attend:    Administrators and staff responsible for emergency preparedness, response and decision-making, in all types of cultural institutions such as library, museum, city hall or other archival entity.  By registering for the workshop, the institution commits to supporting the attendee(s) to achieve the workshop's disaster preparedness goals. When possible, please send two attendees so they can work together on the disaster preparedness activities.

Cost:    No charge to the institution.  Funding provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Co-sponsored by the Idaho Commission for Libraries.

Registration:     Pre-registration required. Register online at: WESTPAS workshop  or http://host7.evanced.info/pls/lib/eventsignup.asp?ID=450

For registration assistance contact: Alexandra Gingerich at gingerich@plsinfo.org
For general & content information contact: Shirley Biladeau at Shirley.biladeau@libraries.idaho.gov