Terrorism Preparedness and Response: The Librarian’s

Role

Shari Clifton, MLIS, AHIPAssociate Professor / Head, ReferenceRobert M. Bird Health Sciences Library

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Outline

Background Identification of need Our library’s response Evaluation methods Lessons Learned Observations

Background

Bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building - April 19, 1995 Campus response Library response

Who informs the information professional? Need:

Few training sessions post 9/11 focused on librarians and their role in preparedness and response

Partners

Southwest Center for Public Health Preparedness http://www.swcphp.ouhsc.edu/ Funded by the CDC One of 21 Academic Centers for Public

Health Preparedness based in schools of public health

Overall mission is to help prepare the public health workforce response to bioterrorism and emerging health threats

Filling In the Gaps

Bioterrorism 101: What Librarians Need to Know and Where to Find It 4 MLA CE contact hours Combines lecture, demos, hands-on

searching, and interactive exercises Symposiums for Oklahoma Librarians

May 25-26, 2005 & July 18-19, 2005 Invitation only Additional speakers

Objectives

Educate participants about the role of public health professionals in preparedness and response.

Familiarize participants with high-quality information resources.

Provide participants with experience in developing basic disaster plans for their libraries.

Equip participants to take a proactive role in their community preparedness efforts.

Evaluation Methods

Pretest / Posttest MLA Course Evaluation

Lessons Learned

Preparedness is something librarians know a bit about

Identifying key local partners prior to an event is essential to success

Opportunities for practice and discussion are invaluable

Observations

Librarians are adept in gathering and organizing information – essential skills before, during and after a crisis. Post 9/11 we must be even more vigilant and proactive in developing relationships, promoting our abilities and utilizing our skills to further preparedness efforts in our communities.