1. Role of Libraries in emergency context: The case of the 2010
Earthquake and Tsunami in Chile
The Urgency of Reading
October 11th, 2013
Paris, France
Maria Garrido & Beth Patin
In collaboration with Angelica Celedón y Andrea Pequeño (ATACH)

2. GO WITH THE FLOW
Motivation
2010 Chilean Earthquake
& Tsunami Case Study
Themes and Trends
Directions for the Future
2

3. RESEARCH GOALS
•
What roles did libraries
play during this crisis?
•
What strategies were
implemented to foster
communication and
information sharing for
people in affected areas?
•
Are there common
elements across the
public access venues
which would facilitate
appropriate response in
the future?
3

4. FEBRUARY 27, 2010: THE MAULE EARTHQUAKE
4

5. 5

6. 6

7. 7

9. DIFFERENT ROLES LIBRARIES PLAY
1. Changing information and communication
needs
2. Shifting services/shifting roles
3. Transformation of Community Space
9

10. CHANGING INFORMATION NEEDS | SHIFTING LIBRARY SERVICES
THE TECHNOLOGY COMPONENT
• Locating & interacting with
family and friends
• Downloading/Filling
government forms
• Checking updates about
conditions of the affected
region.
• Locating information on the
status of their homes and
work places
THE SOCIAL COMPONENT
• Creating & distributing
preparedness information
• Establishing emergency
operations centers
• Providing physical aid (food,
water, tarps, shelter)
• Assisting with completion of
government forms
• Cleaning up the damage
after the disaster.

11. CHANGING INFORMATION NEEDS
1. Safety & Welfare (I’m okay, Are you okay)
2. Access to basic needs (food, water, shelter, etc.)
Citizens in Chile locating family members | Mobile Telecenter
Source: CDI Europe

12. CHANGING INFORMATION NEEDS
3. Filling out government forms and insurance claims
Astrodome Library after Hurricane Katrina
Source: Beth Patin

16. This research was made possible by Microsoft and the Global Impact Study, a
project co-funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre
(IDRC) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Maria Garrido
Research Assistant Professor
migarrid@uw.edu
@mariaigarrido
Asociación de Telecentros Activos de Chile (ATACH)
www.atach.cl
(56 2) 89 15 261
Twitter: @atach_chile
Beth Patin
PhD Student
bethp@uw.edu
Technology & Social Change Group
University of Washington Information School
tascha.uw.edu
+1.206.616.9101
Twitter: @taschagroup