Project Documents

Lyrasis formerly SOLINET

The Southeastern Library Network (SOLINET) is a well regarded not-for-profit library cooperative organization comprised of over 3,400 libraries in the southeastern U.S. and the Caribbean directed by Kate Nevins <knevins@solinet.net>. For further details see About LYRASIS.

The Boards of Trustees of SOLINET and PALINET, a library cooperative serving the mid-Atlantic region, have recommended a merger of the two organizations subject to a vote by both memberships in early 2009.

SOLINET offers two services to its membership related to hurricane and disaster recovery: the Disaster Assistance Service run by SOLINET’s Preservation unit and the Gulf Coast Libraries Project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This note briefly describes both SOLINET efforts.

Disaster Assistance Service

Disaster Assistance Service is managed by Marlee Dorn Givens <mdorn@solinet.net>, SOLINET Preservation unit head. SOLINET’s Preservation Field Services provides comprehensive information on disaster response seven days a week by phone (1–800–999–8558) or through its Preservation web page. In addition, the service offers training and the service’s website provides referrals to conservators, contact information on specialized consultants, disaster recovery companies, specific disaster recovery advice on collection material, an emergency response checklist, and a 15 step disaster planning process.

The service provides resource links for recovery services by disaster type (i.e. water, fire, mold, hurricane), as well as resources by type of materials, conservator information, and disaster supplies. Disaster Assistance Service offers a SOLINET Disaster Wiki for use in a regional disaster. SOLINET’s disaster wiki users can post information about themselves, their institution, and contact information if they are forced to leave the area. The service also offers a volunteer program for those who wish to offer aid during a library disaster emergency.

Gulf Coast Libraries Project

In 2007, SOLINET received a $12 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to establish the Gulf Coast Libraries Project. Mary Ellin Santiago <msantiago@SOLINET.NET> heads this project. The project’s purpose is to help libraries affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (and more recent hurricanes), for a three year period. See the March 2008 edition of SOLINET Solutions for further details. SOLINET is collaborating with the State Library of Louisiana, the Mississippi Library Commission, and library systems in the affected region to provide grants so that libraries can have the resources necessary to rebuild and refurbish their facilities.

Since the project’s inception, SOLINET has established and operated 21 temporary library facilities. Specifically, libraries have been allocated funds that have enabled the acquisition and set-up of facilities and book/tech mobiles, and funding for staff and operating expenses for three years. The project has also supported and assisted with planning for the rebuilding of libraries, and replacement of many public access computers lost in the hurricanes.

The Gulf Coast Library Project was a 2007 recipient of the Laura Bush 21^st Library grant from the Institute of Musuem and Library Services (IMLS), which has funded extensive professional development opportunities to library staff. The project works with the affected libraries to create development plans and offers each library system free, on-site training. For further information, contact Cheri Smithson <csmithson@solinet.net>, planning and grants coordinator or by phone: 800–999–8558, ext. 3856.


	Home Hurricane Service Roles Introduction to Library Hurricane Response Get To Know Your EOC Safe Haven Normal Service Disaster Recovery Center Information Hub Cultural Organizations Liaison Evacuee Resource Improvise Next Steps State and Regional Library Support Training Calendar Presentations Instructional Videos Resources Resource Lists Hurricane Resource Search Engine Hurricane Resource Map Links About the Project Project News Project Team Project Partners Project Documents About the Information Institute Directions to the Institute Contact En Español			Project Documents Lyrasis formerly SOLINET The Southeastern Library Network (SOLINET) is a well regarded not-for-profit library cooperative organization comprised of over 3,400 libraries in the southeastern U.S. and the Caribbean directed by Kate Nevins <knevins@solinet.net>. For further details see About LYRASIS. The Boards of Trustees of SOLINET and PALINET, a library cooperative serving the mid-Atlantic region, have recommended a merger of the two organizations subject to a vote by both memberships in early 2009. SOLINET offers two services to its membership related to hurricane and disaster recovery: the Disaster Assistance Service run by SOLINET’s Preservation unit and the Gulf Coast Libraries Project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This note briefly describes both SOLINET efforts. Disaster Assistance Service Disaster Assistance Service is managed by Marlee Dorn Givens <mdorn@solinet.net>, SOLINET Preservation unit head. SOLINET’s Preservation Field Services provides comprehensive information on disaster response seven days a week by phone (1–800–999–8558) or through its Preservation web page. In addition, the service offers training and the service’s website provides referrals to conservators, contact information on specialized consultants, disaster recovery companies, specific disaster recovery advice on collection material, an emergency response checklist, and a 15 step disaster planning process. The service provides resource links for recovery services by disaster type (i.e. water, fire, mold, hurricane), as well as resources by type of materials, conservator information, and disaster supplies. Disaster Assistance Service offers a SOLINET Disaster Wiki for use in a regional disaster. SOLINET’s disaster wiki users can post information about themselves, their institution, and contact information if they are forced to leave the area. The service also offers a volunteer program for those who wish to offer aid during a library disaster emergency. Gulf Coast Libraries Project In 2007, SOLINET received a $12 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to establish the Gulf Coast Libraries Project. Mary Ellin Santiago <msantiago@SOLINET.NET> heads this project. The project’s purpose is to help libraries affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (and more recent hurricanes), for a three year period. See the March 2008 edition of SOLINET Solutions for further details. SOLINET is collaborating with the State Library of Louisiana, the Mississippi Library Commission, and library systems in the affected region to provide grants so that libraries can have the resources necessary to rebuild and refurbish their facilities. Since the project’s inception, SOLINET has established and operated 21 temporary library facilities. Specifically, libraries have been allocated funds that have enabled the acquisition and set-up of facilities and book/tech mobiles, and funding for staff and operating expenses for three years. The project has also supported and assisted with planning for the rebuilding of libraries, and replacement of many public access computers lost in the hurricanes. The Gulf Coast Library Project was a 2007 recipient of the Laura Bush 21^st Library grant from the Institute of Musuem and Library Services (IMLS), which has funded extensive professional development opportunities to library staff. The project works with the affected libraries to create development plans and offers each library system free, on-site training. For further information, contact Cheri Smithson <csmithson@solinet.net>, planning and grants coordinator or by phone: 800–999–8558, ext. 3856.