Disaster Management in Archives, Libraries and Museums: An International Overview

Abstract

The article considers disaster management in archives, libraries and museums from an international perspective and presents the findings of a research project which began shortly after the South-east Asia tsunami disaster. The project looked at disaster management practice in the UK cultural heritage sector and identified relevant practice in other countries and sectors. It aimed to inform strategists and managers in museums, libraries and archives, and make recommendations for the effective development of disaster management. The study found that there had been a large increase in information relating to disaster management in the cultural heritage sector in recent years, leading in some instances to information overload. However, cultural heritage organizations are attempting to address the issue with targeted activities and support, particularly relating to developing countries, where access to information resources on the Internet may not be easy. The project showed that coordination across sectors was essential, and people, their interaction and communication, remain vital to effective disaster management.