Lessons+Learned

== =**Lessons Learned**=

Retaining/Boxing/Moving

 * Ask Facilities Management personnel for projected timeline on school reconstruction
 * Determine if materials/equipment should be boxed and moved for retention if longer than 1 to 2 years (//e.g.,// consider nonfiction copyright dates, condition of items, possible mold growth, man power costs to box and move, air conditioned storage costs, etc.)

Funding:

 * Use current replacement value (not original cost) to determine amount of money for each item/collection to be purchased
 * Negotiate for acquisitions to be handled over multiple years and include shipping/handling and processing (note: Facilities take time to repair or build.)
 * Assess any peripheral damage (note: School shelters may have books or equipment lost or damaged.)
 * Recognize that severe school damage takes years to repair

Organization:

 * Appoint one person to rebuild collections, if multiple libraries damaged
 * One contact person for FEMA and insurance; district reporting; acquisitions and budgeting departments; vendors and businesses; schools and donations
 * Maintain separate spreadsheets for each school’s collection with requisition/purchase order numbers (note:Constantly update these files as dollar amounts change and items become unavailable.)
 * Prioritize needs (note: Hardest hit schools may be last to receive collections, although some books may be purchased for that school and housed in hosting school’s collection.)

Methodologies:

 * Meet with school librarian(s)and administrators to determine collection needs (note: Schools have specialized magnet programs and varying student population demographics, etc.)
 * Review existing collection carefully and make selections based on current situation
 * Use professional collection development practices (//e.g.,// reviewing journals and other tools)

Stress management:

 * Provide guidance counselors and other support personnel
 * Match administrators, faculty/staff members, students with other colleagues within district or nearby district
 * Facilitate methods for sharing their stories (e.g., Facebook, blogs, wikis, glogs, etc.)

Notes of appreciation:

 * Send thank you notes/letters to people and/or organizations
 * Be creative - Post pictures online and/or include pictures in written communications
 * Keep it simple - Use form letters - Have students compose notes and drawings