SSA/SAA keep us informed
The
Society of Southwest Archivists is maintaining an excellent exchange forum in preparations for collections recovery. Also watch the
Tulane University emergency site. Register to assist collections recovery at
Society of American Archivists.
Early reports indicate that the New Orleans Public Library collections have been badly damaged. Other collections at Tulane and museums have survived but are still at risk. There have been break-ins in the French Quarter and evidently little (Federal) awareness of the need to protect cultural repositories (in New Orleans!) Fire risk continues due to gas leaks, especially with any return of electrical power. Of course in-building fire suppressant systems are currently inoperative.
AIC disaster recovery
Spearheading the effort for AIC is David Goist, chair of the AIC
Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Committee. Contact
David at gocon@aol.com with questions or offers of help. He and his
committee are working with the Southeastern Museums Conference
(SEMC) and the Southeast Regional Conservation Association (SERCA) to
begin formulating a relief and salvage effort to assist
cultural institutions hurt by the hurricane and its aftermath. A task
force has been created to help identify needs, organize a
salvage/response effort, and receive donations of goods, services, and
funds for distribution. We are also coordinating efforts
with FEMA, AAM, Heritage Preservation, and other organizations regarding
relief efforts.