Preserving the Collection: Disaster Planning, Response & Recovery

  The REALM (Reopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums) Project began last summer in an effort to monitor COVID-19 as it relates to archives, libraries, and museums – our collections, staff, and visitors. It has become an invaluable resource, both through original research in finding how long the virus can survive on all manner of objects, as well as acting as a hub that collects and distributes case studies to help institutions re-open as safely as possible. Their January 29th webinar is available to view for free and discusses their findings and experiences over the last year: https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/realm-update-reflections.html?_ga=2.160531643.742483237.1615582737-1807028250.1615582737 To learn more about the REALM Project, and view their resource catalogue, visit their website: https://www.oclc.org/realm/home.html

  Dealing with a pest infestation starts with identification: once you know what you’re dealing with, you can tailor your plan to remove the pest with the least damage to your collection. The Integrated Pest Management Working Group has created an excellent library of fact sheets to help with this important step: https://museumpests.net/identification/identification-pest-fact-sheets/

  Although not specifically geared toward cultural institutions, FEMA’s Case Study Library is an excellent resource for preparedness and mitigation in emergency situations, and even contains COVID best practices studies. You can browse their collection, or filter by keyword, location, or incident or report type. https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/case-study-library

We want to give a big round of applause to the members of TX-CERA and the Texas Heritage Responders who ventured out when snow was still on the ground in February to help institutions that were affected by Uri. News coverage of one of the locations we visited can be viewed below.  Articles: https://candysdirt.com/2021/03/04/fair-parks-newly-renovated-hall-of-state-took-a-hit-during-winter-storm-but-theres-room-for-hope/ https://www.dmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/2021/02/after-storm-assessment-fair-parks-hall-of-state-suffered-millions-in-damage/ https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/visual-arts/2021/02/26/a-stab-in-the-heart-storm-damage-at-fair-parks-hall-of-state-put-rare-artifacts-in-peril/    Video by Mark Birnbaum for the Dallas Historical Society:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a0tkVO_-lk

 When disaster strikes, it’s a good idea to have anything you might need for staff safety, cleanup, and collection recovery in a single location that any staff member can access. Necessary equipment may vary by institution, but these checklists are a great way to get started. https://ccaha.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2018-05/Emergency%20Supply%20Kits.pdf   https://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserveogram/21-02.pdf http://www.flamuseums.org/professional-development/connecting-to-collections/emergency-plans/supplies/