--by Rachel Stock
A recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center has shown that many Americans still believe that libraries play an integral role in their community (Horrigan). Yet, libraries are often overlooked as a resource in times of crisis. In fact, discussion about the role of public libraries in times of disaster recovery has largely remained “in the library literature,” rather than in the public discussion (Veil and Bishop, 2014) Despite the fact that libraries are often left out of disaster relief planning, studies have shown that in times of community stress, people do seek out the services libraries provide. For example, the day after Hurricane Sandy ripped through Princeton, New Jersey in 2012, traffic in the public library increased by 2,000 patrons seeking Internet access and electricity (Veil and Bishop 2014).
A recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center has shown that many Americans still believe that libraries play an integral role in their community (Horrigan). Yet, libraries are often overlooked as a resource in times of crisis. In fact, discussion about the role of public libraries in times of disaster recovery has largely remained “in the library literature,” rather than in the public discussion (Veil and Bishop, 2014) Despite the fact that libraries are often left out of disaster relief planning, studies have shown that in times of community stress, people do seek out the services libraries provide. For example, the day after Hurricane Sandy ripped through Princeton, New Jersey in 2012, traffic in the public library increased by 2,000 patrons seeking Internet access and electricity (Veil and Bishop 2014).
Understanding the role that a public
library can play during community crisis is the first step to identifying ways
public libraries can become actively involved in better serving their communities. There are three specific ways that libraries
are able to provide relief to the citizens they serve. First, libraries can act as a source of
accurate information. In times of
disaster, patrons would be able to find information on the nature of the
crisis, where to go, what to do and where to find supplies. Often media coverage focuses on
“sensationalizing” the disaster, which can “exacerbate a crisis”, rather than
providing “instructional messages” (Veil and Bishop, 2014).
Second, libraries can provide a
physical space for organizations such as FEMA, Red Cross, the National Guard and
Army Corp to coordinate efforts. Libraries
can also act as a home base for community leaders such as fire, police and public
works (Will, p. 76). In addition, they
can act as a place for community wide informational meetings. Not only do libraries provide a centralized
meeting area for officials but often serve as one place that citizens can feel
a sense of comfort and normalcy throughout the crisis (Veil and Bishop, 2014).
Finally, libraries are an invaluable
resource because they are often able to maintain access to the internet. Not only does this provide patrons with a way
to connect with loved ones but they are also able to use internet access to
obtain government forms related to the disaster. Assisting patrons in properly printing and
filling out forms such as those required by FEMA is one of the key ways that
librarians are able to maintain their presence on the front line of
post-disaster relief (
By expanding their role during times
of crisis and laying plans for disaster relief, public libraries are able to
fulfill their role as a place that is “uniquely primed” to serve their community
in times of crisis (Bishop and Veil p. 721).
By working with community leaders and officials before disaster strikes,
public libraries can be much more than “a passive repository of information”
and step into their role as a leader in times of community upheaval (Will, 2001).
Here is an example of
the services public libraries can provide in times of community crisis:
Hi, Rachel.
ReplyDeleteI found this a very interesting piece. Honestly, the library normally wouldn't be the first place I'd think of when looking for shelter or help after a disaster in my community. Because I live in a rather urban part of my community, it wouldn't be very easy for me to get to that part of my city if a disaster were to happen, especially if I did not have any transportation to get me there. However, now that I think about it, it does seem that the library would be a very logical place to go for help. As you said, it could be a base for organizations to set up relief efforts, for community members to gain access to the internet, and a place for shelter. So long as the members of the community are able to get to the library, it seems like the perfect place for people to gather in times of need.
While this would greatly serve the community, it does make me wonder how libraries are able to deal with these kinds of disasters. Do libraries typically have plans ready in case disasters occur? How do they accommodate for so many extra patrons than they are accustomed to, and how do they afford to give that much additional support? Is this in the budget? And how is their staff able to handle such extra work?
This post and the video in particular made me rethink the role of libraries as an information center for the community. I've worked in library communications before and most of the messaging was pushing program information, sort of an all-about-us (the library) perspective. When municipalities are disaster planning how often do they consider the library not only as a place to gather, but as a way to disseminate information through patron emails, Facebook and other social media as in the video?
ReplyDeleteI took a look at the ALA website. http://www.ala.org/advocacy/govinfo/disasterpreparedness
Though they had a lot to say about collection preservation, there didn't seem to be much about how to become an information hub for their community in times of both natural and man-made disasters.
Thanks for bringing this role libraries might step into to light.
Lorraine Eaton