Wednesday, July 2, 2008 Because we were working with materials that were covered in mold we had to wear respirators the whole time we worked on the Czech record project. To be most effective, respirators have to be specially fit and tested for each person. This photo illustrates one of the tests they used toContinue reading “Respirator Fitting”
Category Archives: Flood Recovery
Washing LP Records
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 So how do you wash LP records? It’s quite simple as it turns out. Assemble your tools: plastic tub, garbage can on wheels, brush, and photo flo. We’re using regular tap water as we plan on re-washing everything in the conservation lab once the records are safe to handle.
Book Repair at Geoscience Library
Monday, June 30, 2008 It’s a challenge supervising staff who are scattered all over. However, they’ve done an excellent job of managing themselves. At the Geoscience Library, Bu Wilson decided she was best suited to pulling books for repairwork rather than doing the repairs. Bill and Linda worked on repairs.
Book Repair at Hardin
Thursday, June 26, 2008 Although staff would like to be back at their regular work stations, they are enjoying doing something different for a change and making a difference with the collections at the Hardin Library. We’re also able to keep some of our students in pay status.
Disaster Response Summarized
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 I continued to provide the disaster recovery coordination, coming home every night exhausted. The staff at each site — Czech/Slovak Museum & Library and the African American Historical Museum and Cultural Center of Iowa — were phenomenal. They kept their cool. They followed all the disaster response steps — assess beforeContinue reading “Disaster Response Summarized”
Back At Work Sorta’
Monday, June 23, 2008 It’s very weird to be at work. Twenty university buildings have been shut down due to flood waters. Three of buildings have library collections in them which means that we are busy shuffling staff around. The preservation department was assigned to work in the Business Library. Actually, this was just a spotContinue reading “Back At Work Sorta’”
Salvage Begins
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 To our great disappointment we were not able to get into the Czech/Slovak Museum/Library today due to some sort of safety hazard. We spent a lot of time waiting around at the barricade hoping to get in. But no luck. We were, however, able to get into the African American museumContinue reading “Salvage Begins”
False Start
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 The Cedar River came up fast and ugly, going way beyond the 500 year flood plain, more than 12 feet over projected flood level, exceeding all past records. On the plus side, it is receding very rapidly allowing us to begin the recovery process. Most of our cultural resources are alongContinue reading “False Start”
We Dodge the Bullet
Monday, June 16, 2008 Mike Lee and the Facilities folks who are based out of the Main Library checked our basement. There is about 1/2 – 2 inches in various parts of the basement, including the Special Collections and books stack areas. No collections are wet and do not appear to be in danger ofContinue reading “We Dodge the Bullet”
Preparation
Sunday, June 15, 2008 We enjoyed our time at our friends – shower, food, and conversation. Back home, I discussed strategy with the Cedar Rapids Public Library Director. She has no idea when she will be allowed back in. We’re in agreement that trying to salvage first floor flood-soaked materials doesn’t make any sense. AllContinue reading “Preparation”