Strengthening libraries emergency preparedness and response
17-18 August 2023 (satellite to WLIC Rotterdam, NL) – OBA Congress Amsterdam
- All proposals must be in by 17 of April 2023
- Proposals will be evaluated by the satellite program committee group and successful applicants will be informed by 1st of May 2023
As we move our efforts in conservation towards giving a sustainable dimension to our practices, risk preparedness is a critical part of the use of our heritage. In a context of multiple conflicts and climate change, libraries, archives and museums from around the world are facing disasters including earthquakes, fires, floods and man-made destructions. They highlight the potential severity of the challenges in emergency response situations.
IFLA’s Manual on emergency preparedness and planning was first drafted in 2006 with knowledge that “libraries and archives need to make every effort to prepare themselves for possible disasters”. While a survey carried out among French libraries highlighted that in 2021 few libraries have been able to achieve their Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, there is still a need for guidelines and support in this direction.
The satellite meeting is initiated with the aim to provide practical information and tools based on recent experiences and learning points for the risk assessment and mitigation, response and recovery phases.
The organization of the satellite meeting in Benelux is an opportunity to benefit the experience of the region towards flood mitigation and response. Disasters having several unfolding consequences the meeting will address all type of disasters based on experience from libraries, archives and museums of all regions.
