Leveraging Libraries as Hubs for Spontaneous Volunteers, Just-in-Time Training Guide On Utilizing the National Libraries of Medicine Resources

Post-disaster community members seek opportunities to volunteer and support recovery efforts. Tapping into this resource requires governments to have a plan to receive, train, and equip spontaneous volunteers rapidly. Libraries are known community hubs, provide great space for processing and training volunteers, and have access to resources related to disasters through the National Libraries of Medicine among other sources. Nashua Office of Emergency Management will use grant funds to establish spontaneous volunteer reception center hubs utilizing libraries and librarians and developing a guide on how to best utilize the Disaster Information Management Research Center and the Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders to build just-in-time training on health and safety post disaster.