Public libraries and crisis management: roles of public libraries in hurricane/disaster preparedness and response

Abstract: The hurricane damage that the United States Gulf Coast has sustained over the past decade was a catalyst for this study of the service roles public libraries provide in hurricane/disaster preparedness and response. Libraries have taken major steps to better meet community needs arising from these emergency situations. This chapter identifies new public library service roles, and discusses successful technology solutions and communications programs that public libraries can employ to assist local communities prepare for, and recover from, hurricanes and other disasters.