WebJunction

The Librarian's Index to the Internet (lii.org) has collected links to information about Hurricane Katrina on their web site. There are four links specifically about libraries on this page:
http://lii.org/search?query=hurricanekatrina+library

I just got this in my inbox, from SOLINET:

The State library of Louisiana has sent out this call for computer equipment...

If you are interested and able to send computers, here is the request from the Louisiana State Librarian, Rebecca Hamilton.

"To all--we are in desperate need of computers/printers. We are being inundated with evacuees needing to file FEMA applications, unemployment, search for loved ones, etc. and are coming into our public libraries to use the computers. Our libraries have greatly extended their hours to accommodate the people but they need additional computers and printers.
If you can please put the word out that if anyone wants to help immediately, this is our greatest need."

The specs for the computers:
* Pentium 3
* Windows 2000, prefer XP
* Laser printers if you can still get toner for them

Computers may be sent to:

State Library of Louisiana
701 North 4th Street
Baton Rouge, La. 70802-5232

If you are able to assist them by sending computers, please let Rebecca know via email: Rebecca Hamilton [rhamilton@crt.state.la.us] just to help them plan. This will help her know what to expect and also help us to know (if necessary) when to stop sending them there. I am sure that we will hear from other states about similar needs.

A message from SOLINET
Friends and Colleagues:



With this email I would like to update you on SOLINET's support of libraries and cultural institutions in response to Hurricane Katrina. Even as the humanitarian efforts continue, recovery efforts are underway in some libraries and recovery planning has started for others. Other institutions do not yet know about the status of their facilities and collections, and the assistance they will require is unknown. In addition, libraries across the region are gearing up to provide service for evacuees, including internet access, books, and library services for those in shelters. As a regional cooperative with long standing programs in preservation and disaster recovery, SOLINET has been reaching out with our members and partners to serve those libraries which have suffered damage. We would appreciate your assistance in publicizing the availability of the following information resources and assistance programs for libraries and cultural institutions in the hurricane zone. Also, please let other institutions know that they can support stricken libraries by using the clearinghouse features listed below.



These services are not limited to SOLINET members.



Information Consulting and Referral



SOLINET's Preservation Services Department is providing telephone, email and web based support for impacted libraries on a wide range of topics, including collection stabilization, drying procedures for historic buildings, recovery of damaged materials, referrals to recovery services, and advice on setting response priorities. Call Tina Mason, Manager of Preservation at (800) 999-8558, email at tmason@solinet.net, or check web based resources at www.solinet.net by following the "Katrina response" and "Preservation" links. These resources include downloadable publications on such topics as drying wet materials and mold mitigation. The site also includes a database of vendors who provide supplies, equipment and services which are useful in recovery activities.



SOLINET's preservation staff can assist with consultation and advice. In addition, we have identified expert volunteers to assist with disaster recovery efforts. These volunteers have a wide variety of expertise which we will match with each institution's needs.



Several grants programs are being created or extended for affected libraries and cultural institutions. As this information becomes available, SOLINET will use our extensive grants experience to provide consulting and assistance for those developing applications.



Training and On Site Assistance



SOLINET is working with state libraries and archives in the hurricane zone to schedule training to prepare library and cultural institution staff and volunteers to assist in materials recovery. These arrangements will be finalized and publicized shortly.



We are gathering information about the status of institutions in need of onsite assistance and will respond as needs become clear.



Hurricane Katrina Web Site



SOLINET's Hurricane Katrina web site is in the final stages of completion and will be made available Monday. It will include:

Recovery Resources: information about recovery resources, contact information for experts in various subjects, and links to other useful sites.
Library Needs: a clearinghouse for institutions to indicate what resources they need, such as computers, materials, volunteers, s and for institutions to indicate what resources they can provide.
Job Bank: a clearinghouse for library and cultural institution staff left without employment, either temporarily or permanently, and institutions offering short term or permanent employment opportunities.
Grants: information about grant opportunities for impacted institutions and links to related sites. (under development)
Fund Raising: links to the various fund raising efforts for libraries and cultural institutions.
Status Reports: a summary of the status of libraries in the hurricane zone. (under development)

Information will be added to this site as it becomes available.



Visit this site at: www.solinet.net and follow the "Katrina Response" link.



Coordinating with Regional and National Groups



SOLINET communicates regularly with other regional and national organizations to share our plans and knowledge and to learn about the relief and recovery efforts underway by these groups. We’re coordinating our support and activities with such organizations as Heritage Preservation, the Regional Alliance for Preservation, AMIGOS, ASERL, the HBCU Library Alliance, and FEMA. Links the resources available through these other organizations are available at the website above.



SOLINET Services for Impacted Institutions



SOLINET is working to be responsive to the needs of impacted libraries. This includes:

negotiating subscription credits from database vendor partners for libraries which will be closed for an extended time
working with OCLC for recreation of libraries' bibliographic databases if lost
managing libraries' ILL supplier/nonsupplier status

We are working with additional vendor partners on additional activities. These will be announced on the "Katrina Response" web site as they are finalized.

Please call the SOLINET Help Desk at (800) 999-8558 or email to helpdesk@solinet.net for further information.



The scope and impact of Hurricane Katrina has been horrific. Our hearts and thoughts are with the people along the Gulf Coast. Please join us in working to help libraries and cultural institutions on the road to recovery.



Warmly,



Kate



Kate Nevins

Executive Director

SOLINET

1438 W. Peachtree St. #200

Atlanta, GA 30309



(800) 999-8558

(404) 892-7879 (fax)



knevins@solinet.net

www.solinet.net



"What else can SOLINET do for you?"

Audio and Video collection sources of information

National Endowment for the Arts
http://www.arts.gov/pub/DisasterRecovery.pdf

"Hurricane & Flood Recovery Advice" for wet magnetic tapes.
www.specsbros.com/h_flood.htm.

A list of resources for training and education in audio archiving and preservation can be found here.
http://www.arsc-audio.org/ETresources.html

From the Safe Sound Archive
Safe Sound Archive makes all our audio digitization services available to collections affected by Hurricane Katrina. We are offering "most favored customer" pricing for all preservation services to all collections, regardless of size. This pricing will remain in effect through September 30, 2006, or longer if circumstances warrant.
Further, we offer space for magnetic media in our climate controlled storage free of charge for 6 months to any collection, regardless of size (space permitting, of course).
The only requirement is that all material must be stabilized and treated for mold or other contamination prior to arrival for either storage or reformatting.
For more information http://www.safesoundarchive.com/index.cfm