The Value of Public Libraries During a Major Flooding: - How Digital Resources Can Enhance Health and Disaster Preparedness in Local Communities

In October 2015, several counties in South Carolina experienced catastrophic flooding that caused severe damage, including loss of residential homes and other calamities. Using a framework for risk communication prepar‐ edness and implementation about pandemic influenza for vulnerable populations recommended by public health experts, this case study investigates public libra‐ ries’ value to their communities and their legitimacy as partners of public health agencies during and after a disaster. Public libraries’ situation-specific informa‐ tion services in the target areas affected by flooding during and after the disaster were explored. The methodology was qualitative-based. Focus-group meetings with public library administrators and librarians, one-on-one interviews with community members, and an in-depth interview with a FEMA agent were conducted. Preliminary results reveal essential needs regarding health informa‐ tion and technology access during and after the disaster. Recommendations on the use of digital library resources and social media for disaster and health infor‐ mation dissemination are discussed.