Sustaining Services When Disaster Strikes: Lessons Learned from the Thomas Fire and Mudslides in Southern California

Abstract

This presentation describes the recent disasters that befell cities in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. The Thomas fire, which occurred December 2017 to January 2018, and the subsequent mudslides in January 2018, left some of these coastal areas devastated and grappling for normalcy. During these disasters, the University of California, Santa Barbara was crucial to the disaster recovery efforts in the community. The UCSB Libraries maintained services, albeit reduced hours. Users from within and outside campus found the library as a crucial information hub. Reviewing the services and staffing needs for the several service points in the midst of a disaster was overwhelming. At times we were not prepared. Despite all of our preparation, this experience made us realize the need for libraries to continue planning for disasters. We learned many lessons, are still recovering, and hope to move ahead better prepared for future disasters.