This important book assesses the current state of disaster management in archives, libraries and museums in the UK and around the world, and provides recommendations for addressing current and future threats.

Following an introductory outline of the topic and terminology, the authors provide a short history of the development of disaster management in the cultural heritage sector. They illustrate a basic framework for effective disaster management by reviewing disaster control plan practice from around the world. Through examining and identify the key issues affecting disaster management in archives, libraries and museums, the authors discuss a priority structure for future implementation.

This book will be key reading for scholars and students of archive studies, library and information and museum management. It will also be extremely useful for professionals and policy makers involved in disaster management planning at a local and national level.

Contents: Preface; The research project and disaster management: introduction; Disaster management and archives, libraries and museums: context; The situation in the United Kingdom: overview; The worldwide situation: overview; The disaster control plan; Findings: key themes; Planning for the future; Sources of information; Index.

About the Author: Graham Matthews is Professor of Information Management, Loughborough University, UK, having previously worked at Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Central England, and in academic and public libraries. 

Reviews: 'Disaster management, in an increasingly complex world, is an essential part of library and information work. This volume builds on the work of a research project that reviewed practice in archives, libraries and museums and relevant other fields. It presents the findings in a way that enables the reader to determine its relevance to them and their organisation and helps guide them in planning strategically in protecting assets of importance whether of historic or commercial value. It is a must have reference tool for those developing plans in this area.'
Alan Brine, De Montfort University, UK

Extracts from this title are available to view:

Full contents list

Introduction

Index