Archives Emergency Response Network (AERN)



The AAO invites AAO members to join the Archives Emergency Response Network. 
This is a network of AAO members that can come to each other’s assistance in 
times of an emergency, such as following a fire or flood.  A quick and 
effective response to an emergency results in less damage to records and a 
faster resumption of normal operations.  Smaller institutions with perhaps 
only one or two staff, or with little experience in emergency response, will 
especially benefit from joining the Network.



The Network is being organized as clusters of AAO members within the four 
chapters of the AAO – Eastern Ontario, Northwestern Ontario, Southwestern 
Ontario  and Toronto Area.  As the Network grows in membership these groups 
may be further sub-divided.



There is no cost to participate in the Network and membership is open to all 
AAO members, both individual and institutional.  The AAO Preservation 
Consultant is Co-ordinator for the Archives Emergency Response Network; 
maintaining  and distributing the participants list and providing tools and 
information to the Network  groups.  Interested participants receive a 
Memorandum of Understanding to sign, indicating their willingness to 
participate in the Network, and their contact information is added to the 
Network membership list that is distributed to all AERN participants. The 
MOU is available on the AAO Web site at http://aao.fis.utoronto.ca or from 
the Preservation Consultant).



For more information or to join the Archives Emergency Response Network 
please contact:

Iona McCraith

AAO Preservation Consultant

22 Slalom Drive, Bethany, Ontario L0A 1A0

Phone: (705) 277-1309

Fax: (705) 277-2091

                                                                             
                                                                    E-mail: 
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Archives Emergency Response Network: FAQ’s



Implementation of the AAO’s Archives Emergency Response Network (A.E.R.N.) 
is now under way.  Several members have already signed the Memorandum of 
Understanding (MOU) and I hope to soon have many more participants in 
A.E.R.N. A few questions have arisen as members have contacted me about 
joining.  This information will, I hope, provide answers to some of the 
frequently asked questions.



What does signing the MOU mean?

Signing the MOU means only that an AAO institutional or individual member, 
wishes to participate.  It places no binding obligation to respond to any 
other member’s request for assistance. The Memorandum is simply a document 
to spell out how the A.E.R.N. works, and some of the roles and 
responsibilities of participating members.



Can anyone join the A.E.R.N.?

At present membership in the A.E.R.N. is only offered to members in good 
standing of the Archives Association of Ontario.  Once the Network is more 
fully established it may be possible for the AAO to offer membership to 
other groups or individuals.



How do I know who else in my area belongs to A.E.R.N.?

The AAO Preservation Consultant will compile and maintain a list of all 
members within each region.  The regional list with contact information will 
be distributed to all members in that area.



How do I cancel participation in A.E.R.N.?

At any time simply notify the AAO Preservation Consultant that you no longer 
wish to participate and your name will be removed from the list of Network 
members.



What are the regional groups of the A.E.R.N.?

The Network is based on the current four AAO Chapters, with further 
breakdowns into regional groups whose members are geographically close 
enough to assist each other.



Do I have to be experienced in disaster response?

Absolutely not!   Many AAO members will not have had experience or training 
in emergency response or salvage procedures.  This does not prevent you from 
lending assistance.  A pair of willing hands, with someone to provide 
direction and advice, is most useful in an emergency.



What assistance will AAO provide to the A.E.R.N. regional groups?

The AAO Preservation Consultant will remain a resource, who can be contacted 
in an emergency as is now the case.  Information kits on emergency response 
procedures and salvage techniques will be distributed to the regional 
groups, along with other basic response tools. Contact lists of trained 
resource professionals will be provided for each region, where available 
ones exist.





I hope this information answers some of your questions and will encourage 
everyone to participate.  You may never be called upon to assist.  You may 
never need assistance.  But isn’t it reassuring to know that organized help 
is only a phone call or email away.





JOIN A.E.R.N. NOW!