What Do I Do in an Emergency? The Role of Public Libraries in Providing Information During Times of Crisis

Abstract

During times of crisis, whether they are caused by a potential pandemic such as the 2009 H1N1 virus infections, bioterrorism threats, or natural disasters, people seek answers to questions about the nature of the threats and how to respond to them. Libraries need to leverage their position as a primary source of trustworthy information by providing quick and easy access to those looking for credible information about what to do in an emergency. This article will present an overview of public libraries' responses to emergencies and discuss how public libraries have provided essential information services during these difficult times.

Keywords:

• crisis informatics
• emergency preparedness and response
• information sources
• risk communication
• social media tools

Notes

¹L. Zach, unpublished results from an online survey administered in 2009 as part of IMLS grant LG–06-06-0032-06.

²Data collected by the researcher in May 2009.