The Information Department of Nicholas Copernicus University Library as the Flood Relief Headquarters and its role in rescuing flooded book collections of Lower Silesia in July 1997

Abstract

We describe the experience of the staff of Information Department, Nicholas Copernicus University Library in Toruń, Poland, during the flood of Summer 1997. The Department organized and coordinated help for the libraries of Lower Silesia (southern Poland) whose collections were seriously damaged by the flood. In this presentation, we focus on the process of change in the functioning of the library Information Department, its role, organization of work, with the emphasis on the transition from spontaneous willingness to help to a coordinated aid action, planned and conducted on a longer time scale. We discuss the means that were used to gather and exchange information about damaged or endangered collections, to mobilize librarians in other academic centres to join the aid action, and to raise funds, acquire materials and facilities for the restoration of damaged prints. The use of media and Internet is treated in detail. Finally, we sum up the experience and draw conclusions about efficient cooperative projects and protective measures for the future implementation.Autorka opisuje akcję ratowania książek po powodzi w Polsce w 1997 roku. Biblioteka Uniwersytecka w Toruniu podjęła się wówczas koordynować akcję ratowania zalanych księgozbiorów Dolnego Śląska. W artykule omawia się narzędzia i metody pracy, jakie zastosował Oddział Informacji, by pomóc innymi bibliotekom. Podkreślono szczególną rolę Internetu w tej akcji.