GPO Support for Federal Depository Libraries Facing Disasters

GPO stands ready to assist Federal depository libraries that face disasters, both natural and man-made.

If your library is faced with a disaster, when safe to do so, please inform your regional depository and GPO’s Federal Depository Support Services (FDSS) via askGPO or by phone at (202) 512-1119 to let us know if your library is closed. Our staff will be happy to consult with you about maintaining free public access to Government information, arranging for temporary address changes for depository deliveries, and more.

Simple steps taken when responding to a disaster can significantly improve the recovery of library materials and reduce the amount of time that access is interrupted. To provide our libraries with guidance on what to do if a disaster strikes, we offer the following information.

• What To Do If Your Library Has Unplanned Access Restrictions
• What To Do If Your Library Has a Flood or Water Disaster
• What To Do If Your Library Books Have Mold
• Preparing for the Unthinkable, Planning for the Inevitable: Disaster Prevention, Response, and Recovery for Libraries (webinar recording)
• Little Things to Do for Big Storms: Simple Collection Preparation for Tornadoes and Hurricanes (webinar recording)
• Disasters Happen! Prepare During National Preparedness Month (webinar recording)

GPO is committed to helping our depository partners recover from disasters in any way that we can. If you have questions about damage assessment, please reach out to GPO’s Preservation Librarian for consultation services.