At time of disaster, compile a list of items that should be salvaged first. Keep these considerations in mind when setting priorities:
- Is the item critical for ongoing operations of the institution?
- Can the item be replaced?
- Would the cost of replacement be more or less than the cost of restoring the item? (Replacement cost figures should include ordering, cataloging, shipping, etc. in addition to the purchase price.)
- Is the item available in another format, or in another collection?
- Does the item have a high or low collection priority?
- Does the item require immediate attention because of its composition (coated paper, vellum, water-soluble inks)?