The University of Toronto Libraries Disaster Plan has been developed as part of an ongoing effort to protect our collections. The plan is administered by the Bindery Section, located on the 6th floor of Robarts Library.
We respond to calls from all over the University of Toronto campus, as well as providing advice in disaster and emergency situations to the wider community. Disasters can occur in many different forms but the most common for a library is water damaged materials, either as the aftermath of a fire or because of a flood. The Bindery section staff co-ordinate the disaster recovery operation which can involve assessment, air drying, packing for freeze-drying, cleaning, mending, and rebinding the damaged materials. Other types of incidents that we respond to may include mould, insects and other damaged Library materials.
Emergencies
In the event that emergency conditions (fire, flood, etc.) cause damage to any library collection, notify the following people during regular business hours (summer 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. fall 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
- Christy Thomasson at 416-978-5069.
- After regular business hours or weekends and holidays please phone Campus Police at 416-978-2222. They will call the appropriate staff.
Disaster Plan: Library Materials for the University of Toronto Library System, September 2023 [PDF]
The University of Toronto's Disaster Plan is updated annually.
If you require any further information contact the Disaster Plan Administrator, Christy Thomasson.