Careers for Disaster Research Specialists in Emergency Management

The disaster research specialist, also known as the disaster information specialist, ensures that during times of disaster, critical information housed in libraries and archives are safe and accessible to emergency personnel who might need it. Disaster research specialists are an essential part of the emergency management team, as they provide critical information on relevant topics, including health information, even in the event that the internet and electrical grid go down.

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Interestingly, their educational background is more often to be in areas like communications, journalism and even library science. It’s a vital role in disaster response and mitigation even though it doesn’t require a degree in emergency management.

These experts are relied on to think fast and act fast in emergency situations, as they know where critical information is located and exactly how to access it.

The Disaster Information Management Research Center (DIMRC)

The Disaster Information Management Research Center (DIMRC), through the National Library of Medicine, which was created in 2008 with the mission of providing archivists and librarians serving as disaster research specialists with the health resources needed to provide information to emergency management specialists during a natural or manmade disaster.

For example, during a crisis involving hazardous materials or radiation, disaster research specialists may provide critical information to first responders regarding such topics.

Disaster research specialists are also often called upon to do everything from track missing persons to contacting family members and helping individuals fill out claims forms following a disaster. Because the recovery phase from a disaster can last weeks, even months, these professionals may be needed for extended periods.

The National Library of Medicine is currently involved in expanding disaster research specialist jobs and promoting awareness that any librarian can serve in this capacity during a disaster.

The DIMRC is committed to accomplishing a number of things, including:

  • Ensures health information on patients is accessible during disasters
  • Development of innovative products and services to serve health professionals and the public
  • Performs research that contributes to health information management (HIM) during a disaster
  • Collaboration with relevant agencies and community representatives

The DIMRC has worked to create an international disaster health information listserv (DISASTR-OUTREACH-LIB), which allows individuals to share information with one another. This listserv now has more than 600 members.

The Disaster Information Model Curriculum

The Disaster Information Model Curriculum, which was developed by the National Library of Medicine DIMRC, provides the framework for librarians and other professionals seeking jobs as disaster research specialists.

This model curriculum, which is often adopted by a number of organizations seeking to provide training on disaster information services, is based on reviews and assessments conducted by the National Library of Medicine. It proposes education certificates at both the basic and advanced levels, with a requirement of at least 15 contact hours at the basic level and 12 contact hours at the advanced level.

Individuals who complete this curriculum should be able to do a number of things:

  • Recognize the psychological and sociological impact of disasters and emergencies
  • Understand the role of information professionals in disasters and emergencies
  • Recognize organizations involved in disasters and emergencies
  • Understand communications systems during disasters and emergencies
  • Understand the technology used during disasters and emergencies
  • Implement outreach programs for responders and the public
  • Understand the legal and ethical for populations in disasters and emergencies
  • Understand how to use emergency information systems, including health information systems

Some of the courses within the model curriculum include:

  • Disaster Health Information Sources: The Basics
  • Resources for Disaster Preparedness and Response
  • Roadmap to Disaster Health Resources and Tools
  • Information Roles in Disaster Management
  • National Incident Management System (NIMS), an Introduction
  • Introduction to the Incident Command System
  • Ethical and Legal Aspects of Disaster Response

 

Resources for Disaster Research Specialists

Individuals can learn more about Disaster Research Specialists and the DIMRC by visiting the National Library of Medicine (National Institutes of Health).

More information on disaster research specialist jobs and salary statistics can be found by visiting:

The American Library Association

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