The Value of Libraries

I am always learning from my clients. Our company chooses to deal with those organizations who are the progressive leaders in their fields, so we get to deal with some amazing people.

The Brampton Library is one of those organizations which sets the bar for others to reach towards. They have been working on a well developed pandemic plan along with other emergency procedures.

Today we had the opportunity to conduct a pandemic tabletop exercise for the library management team including the CEO Adele Kostiak. As we were debriefing the exercise, Ms. Kostiak stated that one of the opportunities for the library to participate in major community incidents is to "Provide servicing to the emergency process".

Library staff are experts at research, filtering accurate information from a world full of data, and communicating with the community. They already have well established communication processes and are a trusted source of information for the average person.

Libraries are an untapped resource for emergency planners with staff who are eager to assist.

Emergency planning departments usually have few staff, many of whom are double (or triple) hatters, with limited budgets, and can always use assistance with research and stakeholder communications. Libraries are a hidden resource.

The Brampton Library logo is underscored with the words "Education, Information, Inspiration". What a find for the Emergency Planner who takes advantage of their services.