Lessons from a Library Fire

ABSTRACT

In August, 1992, during a two-week hiatus between summer school and fall semester, Illinois State University's Milner Library suffered an arson fire. Nine days later, the library opened its doors and offered complete services. Although recovery was quick and damage minimal, staff learned the value of what may prove useful to others: revising disaster plans, taking proactive steps to secure building safety, on-going staff training, and jointly planning recovery actions with maintenance personnel.