Water intrudes into the library from many different sources—roof and window leaks, plumbing malfunctions, HVAC problems and more. Our response to a leak depends on the scale of the problem. In every case, water leaks are serious and should not be ignored. Notify the librarian in charge for every leak. It is important to work aggressively to dry wet areas as soon as possible after the leak is controlled. Facilities Services has a number of large fans and a wet/dry vacuum that can help with drying affected areas.
Small, localized leaks can be dealt with directly by library staff with follow-up contact with facilities services staff 5550. Plastic lined trash cans make an excellent first line of support for catching drips until facilities services can respond. Notify the staff member in charge as soon as possible after taking initial steps to deal with the leak. Outside of normal working hours, contact campus security first 9-236-4357.
Use trash cans with plastic bags for smaller leaks.
Use newspapers as barriers to contain leaks.
Larger roof and window leaks will require more support. This may mean allowing water to run while the scope of the problem is determined and help is summoned. Notify the library person in charge as soon as a large leak is discovered. Call facilities management at 5550. Check floors above and below leaks to determine full extent of the problem. If computer equipment is involved, technology services 5575 should be contacted. All available library staff will be asked to help in remediating large leaks. Outside of normal working hours, contact campus security first 9-236-4357, then contact Carrie or the next in charge, who may initiate calls to other library staff members for help protecting collections and equipment from damage. Block off the affected flooded area to keep customers and employees out of danger. Use plastic sheeting and blotting pads to control the flow of water and protect affected areas. The first priority concern in any water emergency is protecting the Archives, Special Collections, and Rare Books collection.
Sewage spills, bathroom leaks and groundwater upwellings must be handled by facilities services staff - 5550. Notify the library staff person in charge right away. Outside of normal working hours, contact campus security first 9-236-4357, then contact Carrie (or the ranking staff person) who may initiate calls to other library staff members for help protecting collections and equipment from damage. Block off the affected flooded area to keep customers and employees out of danger. Library staff should minimize their contact with water contaminated with sewage. Move things out of danger of damage and deliver supplies for limiting water flow, but let Facilities Services contain and clean up the mess. The first priority concern in any water emergency is protecting the Archives, Special Collections, and Rare Books collection.
