Advanced eCourse: Crisis and Emergency Management

Thirteen (13) - week course | Monday, September 11 - Sunday, December 10, 2023

Space in this course is very limited.

A crisis can strike a library in many forms, and it almost always comes without warning. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a security incident, a pandemic or a technology disaster, we need to be prepared.

This course teaches the fundamental concepts and practices of crisis planning, response, and communication. Crises big and small arise every day in libraries. Library leadership must be prepared to address the immediate crisis and its aftermath as well as to effectively communicate to stakeholders. 

Through the twelve weeks of the course, you’ll examine the variety and magnitudes of crises, how a library’s governance structure determines its role in crisis planning and response, and the three plans every library should have in place to be prepared for a crisis (business continuity, emergency/disaster response, and communications). You’ll work through the basic components of each plan; assign and ensure responsibility and accountability for plan development and upkeep; and identify and prioritize stakeholder communication based on the crisis. 

This course is aimed at managers and leaders seeking a framework for understanding and preparing for crisis response in their library. 

By completing this course, participants will:

• Examine the governance structure of their library and understand how it impacts crisis management
• Understand the purpose and components of the three plans necessary to successful crisis management: business continuity, emergency/disaster response, and communications 
• Understand when and how the plans intersect 
• Gain insight into how to develop, practice, and keep current your crisis plans
• Have a framework for stakeholder identification and prioritization to effectively communicate during and after a crisis

Donna Zuiderweg is the Chief Community Engagement Officer (CCEO) of Columbus Metropolitan Library, an award-winning, 23-location public library system in Columbus, Ohio. As CCEO, Donna serves on the executive leadership team as well as leads the Development, Marketing & Communications, Collection Services, Government Relations & Advocacy, and Strategic Initiatives teams. She is responsible for planning and executing a comprehensive communication and community engagement strategy that reinforces the library's value to the Franklin County community. Donna holds an undergraduate degree from the Ohio State University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ohio Dominican University.

CALL Training Partner for this Event: American Library Association