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Collections Emergencies

To answer questions concerning emergency preparedness and response for library collections, contact the Weissman Preservation Center (Harvard University Library, 617-495-8596) or Conservation Services (Harvard College Library, 617-495-8871).

Library Collections Emergency Team

The Library Collections Emergency Team (LCET) is on call 24-hours a day to provide advice and assistance during and in the immediate aftermath of emergencies that threaten or affect Harvard University library collections.

Services

• 24-hour advisory assistance by cell phone (617-240-2500) in emergencies involving library collections
• Direct assistance with response and salvage in cases involving more materials than can be recovered by the local library staff or other complicating factors
• Access to library-owned freeze-drying equipment (limited capacity is available)
• Recommendations for commercial disaster recovery services
• Coordination of services with University Operations Center
• Emergency preparation and response information
• Training workshops

The Team

• Membership:
  Full-time conservators and preservation librarians in the Weissman Preservation Center, Harvard University Library, and in the Preservation & Imaging Department, Harvard College Library
• Leadership:
  Jane Hedberg, Senior Preservation Program Officer, Weissman Preservation Center
  Heather Caldwell Kaufman, Head, Conservation Services for the Harvard College Library