Libraries, public or academic, need to recognize potential emergencies. This semester we spent time learning about emergency plans and how important it is to have  “Recovery plans for various natural disasters --- earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and typhoons” (Evans & Alire, 2013, p. 497). During the class discussion on emergency plans I talked about an emergency plan from the Alaska State Archives, titled “Records Emergency Planning & Response for the Alaska State Archives.” This emergency plan, in my mind, hit all the main points made by Evans and Alire (2013). School libraries need to incorporate similar emergency preparedness plans that cover both natural and man-made disasters that could happen to them.   

 

There are other concerns for safety that school libraries need to keep in mind besides creating emergency preparedness plans. When designing a school library there should be emergency exits and easily accessible “Staffed service points” (Evans & Alire, 2013, p. 54). Evans and Alire (2013) believe that staff should also have training for disruptive patrons (p. 57). According to Evans and Alire (2013) school libraries need to be prepared “To handle potential problems” with even students (p.57).  School librarians should also make sure they have first aide kits with Band-Aids for minor cuts. Students should never be left alone or unsupervised in the library. The best way that school libraries can assist the students and other faculty members is by making sure the library staff is properly trained. Training includes procedures for daily library tasks and for all types of natural and man-made disasters. School libraries need to make sure their outlined emergency plan aligns with the school’s emergency preparedness plan. 

 

Here are screen shots from the table of contents used in the Alaska State Archives emergency plan titled “Records Emergency Planning & Response for the Alaska State Archives.” I used these photos in discussion week three, but felt they were important to share here as part of my professional synthesis. These screenshots provide relevant examples of an emergency preparedness plan that I believe could benefit a school library too.