@article{TEXTUAL,
      recid = {14555},
      author = {Antonelli, Monika and Aldrich, Rebekkah Smith and Tanner,  René and Ho, Adrian K.},
      title = {The Storm is Here: Public Libraries' Role in Disaster  Preparedness and Community Recovery},
      journal = {Electronic Green Journal},
      address = {2025-02-13},
      number = {TEXTUAL},
      abstract = {A national survey of public library directors and  administrators was conducted in 2022 to assess the role of  public libraries in community support following weather  disasters. The results showed strong agreement (84%) among  respondents that libraries have a critical service role in  disaster response. Most respondents expressed concern about  the impact of weather-related hazards on their communities.  During and after disasters, libraries continued to offer  regular services, with Wi-Fi access and computer stations  being the most commonly provided. While the Stafford Act  designates libraries as essential services and allows for  relocation funding through the Federal Emergency Management  Agency, only 36% of respondents were aware of this  legislation. To fully leverage available support, libraries  must enhance their preparedness prior to such events.  Slightly over half of respondents (51%) indicated their  libraries had an emergency preparedness plan. Among those  with plans, most had a traditional emergency response plan  (82%), while fewer had a continuity of operations plan  (13%), and only one library had a community resilience  plan. These findings highlight significant opportunities  for increased preparation. Wider adoption of continuity of  operations plans and greater visibility of these services  would enhance libraries' effectiveness as community  resources during weather disasters.},
      url = {http://knowledge.uchicago.edu/record/14555},
}