Workers

Salvage and recovery work can be dirty, exacting, and arduous. Supervisors should plan rest periods and refreshments about every hour and a half and bring on relief shifts as needed. Supervisors should have received training and should generally be members of the disaster action team.

• Identify library staff members who may have some experience and training in recovery.
• Consider other staff members who may be willing to assist with salvage.
• Appoint suitable temporary employees if necessary.
• Use volunteers for some of the recovery work (you may want to limit their involvement to nonrare materials).

Next: Equipment