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Letter from Sherre L. HarringtonThe staff of the Amherst College Library would like to offer both immediate and long-term support and assistance to our library colleagues in the region devastated by Hurricane Katrina. We think this can most effectively be done by developing a direct partnership with one library so we seek to collaborate with an institution whose collections and services are closest to ours. The possibilities for collaboration could include: Space in our off-site Library Depository for storage of collections that are not moldy or contaminated, and space for people to work in, is immediately available. If some librarians and/or archivists relocated here temporarily, we can also make arrangements for housing. University Products, a local supplier of archival and library products, has agreed to provide some supplies. Staff and funding to assist with collection evaluation and salvage efforts, here in Massachusetts or in Louisiana. Help with rebuilding collections and services, which could include direct financial assistance, supplemental staff support, collection and storage of new and donated library materials, organizing fund drives, etc. Initiatives that would be beneficial to both institutions such as developing digital collections and interfaces, virtual reference services, or enhanced interlibrary loan. We know that it is impossible for us to imagine what our colleagues have been through and what you may need. We know that it will take people and institutions a long time to recover from this disaster. We want to help in any way we can. If you would like to explore the possibility of partnership with the Amherst College Library, or if you know of other libraries I should be in touch with, please contact me (sharrington@amherst.edu) or our archivist, Daria D'Arienzo (ddarienzo@amherst.edu). Our hopes and prayers are with you, Sincerely,
Sherre L. Harrington SOCIETY
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