Disaster Management for Libraries and Archives - Practical Planning

In this review of Disaster Management for Libraries and Archives, the bottom line is simple: this is a practical, experiencedriven guide for library and archive managers responsible for protecting collections and services. Written by John Feather and Graham Matthews, the book focuses on how to develop a disaster control plan and explains prevention, response and recovery steps with examples from Australia, Scandinavia and the USA. For institutions that need a structured, methodical approach to risk assessment and recovery, this book is a clear, usable resource.

Key Features

• Disaster control planning: Explains how to develop a disaster control plan that covers prevention, response and recovery phases so staff can act with purpose when incidents occur.
• Risk assessment guidance: Outlines methods for assessing and managing risks to collections so institutions can prioritise resources and reduce vulnerability.
• Practical examples: Draws on firsthand experience and research from regions including Australia, Scandinavia and the USA to show how plans work in different contexts.
• Phased approach: Breaks the topic into prevention, preparedness, response and recovery phases, giving a clear structure for planning and training.
• Audience-aware writing: Written by academics and practitioners, the text balances theoretical grounding with actionable steps useful to both managers and frontline staff.

Who It's For

This book is aimed at library and archive managers, preservation officers and institutional planners who must put formal disaster management measures in place. It suits small and medium institutions that need clear guidance on building a disaster control plan and carrying out risk assessments tied to real-world responses.

Those seeking highly technical conservation treatment manuals or a short checklist for immediate use should look elsewhere; the book is best for readers who need a considered framework and examples rather than a single-sheet quick fix.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Practical framework for creating and maintaining a disaster control plan that institutions can adapt to local needs.
• Balanced mix of scholarly research and practitioner experience gives both credibility and operational usefulness.
• International case studies provide perspective on different hazards and responses across regions.

Cons

• Not a substitute for specialised conservation treatment guides; readers will need separate technical resources for hands-on salvage techniques.

Specifications

Title	Disaster Management for Libraries and Archives
Authors	John Feather, Graham Matthews
Scope	Prevention, response and recovery for libraries and archives
Approach	Risk assessment and disaster control planning
Geographic examples	Australia, Scandinavia, USA
Audience	Library and archive managers, preservation officers

Our Verdict

Disaster Management for Libraries and Archives is a wellstructured, evidencebased guide that belongs on the shelf of any institution serious about preparedness. It offers a usable planning framework and international examples that make it good value for managers who must combine policy, risk assessment and practical response; however, it should be paired with technical recovery manuals for handson salvage work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book show how to write a disaster plan?
Yes. The authors explain how to develop a disaster control plan and outline the phases from prevention to recovery so institutions can build a coherent plan.

Is the content practical for small libraries?
Yes. The text balances academic research and practitioner experience and includes guidance that small and medium institutions can adapt.

Will it teach hands-on salvage techniques?
No. It focuses on planning, risk assessment and recovery strategy rather than detailed conservation procedures, so pair it with technical manuals for salvage work.