Dear All,
This is just a note to say thank you to all in the U.S. who have very kindly responded to my request for help with my research. I hope that I have responded to everyone in person by now, but if I've inadvertently missed anyone, please accept my humble apologies and grateful thanks.
I have been impressed with the warmth, openness and generosity of the responses that I have received.
In consideration of the nature (and length) of the material, I think it would be inappropriate for me to summarise these responses for the list as we normally do for list-servs, but if anyone wants to be kept informed of how my research is progressing, feel free to drop me a line.
There is still time available for others to be involved, if you wish to contribute. Any further suggestions for reading or other materials relating to this subject will be happily received.
I would also welcome any responses from legal suppliers of either hard copy and electronic materials who have helped law libraries get back on their feet after a disaster, or disaster recovery firms. I appreciate that this type of contribution would have to be in general terms so as not to disclose anything of a confidential nature.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Kind regards,
Ailsa Scott
----- Original Message -----
From: Ailsa Scott
To: law-lib@ucdavis.edu
Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 2:35 PM
Subject: Disaster Management in Law Libraries
Dear Colleagues,
I am an Information Officer (Law Librarian) for a Law Firm in London, UK.
I am undertaking to complete my Master's dissertation project. My topic is "Disaster Management and Business Continuity in Legal Libraries."
I am interested to hear of the experiences of any US and world-wide colleagues who have suffered some kind of disruption to their library or information service, whether a big disaster or a relatively minor event such as a power outage or a server failure.
I am mainly looking for people to 'interview' (by email) but would also welcome any anecdotes.
I appreciate that this topic can be sensitive, so am offering anonymity to anyone who should require it. I am also aware that events in recent years have meant that many people continue to suffer from the trauma they have experienced and I hope to be able to offer the compassion, sensitivity and respect that is needed in consideration of these circumstances.
Facets of this topic which I aim to explore include: the interplay of hard-copy collections and electronic services, and how the loss of one of these may mean a heavy reliance on the other; the availability of professional networks which provide practical support in times of 'disaster' (including pre-arranged reciprocal agreements); the effect of long-term contingency arrangements on a library/service; and also the fact that while the library may have recovered, the fact that staff members have been traumatised means that the ability of the library to offer a full service may be affected.
Any help will be appreciated. I have a good 'working' bibliography, but any suggestions for further reading or useful websites will be gratefully received.
If you require further information, please feel free to ask.
Best Regards,
Ailsa Scott
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