Waterfalls Are Not in the MeSH Vocabulary: One Library's Experience With Unexpected Flooding

Abstract

On the morning of April 17, 2009, an improperly maintained air conditioning unit cooling hose burst in the mechanical room on the fourth floor of Diehl Hall, resulting, at one point, in a spectacular ceiling to floor waterfall. This paper will present a case study in how on-site library staff, university library staff and various diverse university departments came together in a efficient and effective collaborative effort that minimized damage to the library and a co-habiting institute, quickly re-located staff and equipment that resulted in minimal disruption of patron and library services and allowed a previously scheduled open house for the institute to take place within a week. Lessons learned and best practices will also be presented.