The Dewey Library Blog

In recent months the United States has seen some of the worst natural disasters in our nation’s history. Most notable are the floods that plague North Dakota, and the tornado that has caused serious damage in Joplin, Missouri. The flooding in North Dakota has caused over 10,000 people to be evacuated from their homes and has left relief workers scrambling to save what is left of the towns affected. The tornado in Joplin Missouri has caused the deaths of over 116 people making it the most deadly tornado in Missouri history. These disasters highlight the need to be well informed on natural disasters and what can be done to prepare, manage, and rebuild in response to these events.

The need for social services in the aftermath of a disaster is vitally important, but those of us unaffected by the disaster only see news reports concerned with the damage and the death toll. Often outsiders are caught up in the media blitz after a disaster, and requests for financial help. This does not mean that there is no need to highlight social services and their role in disaster relief, rather outside observers should become aware of the need for these services and how they impact the lives of those directly affected by natural disasters. Below is a list of UAlbany resources and outside resources related to disaster relief. Use these resources to get a broader perspective on the role of social services, especially related to natural disasters.

Journals We Subscribe to (check Minerva for print and online access):

• Disaster Prevention and Management


• Disasters


• Disasters, Preparedness and Mitigation in the Americas

Books at the Dewey Library:

• When Their World Falls Apart : Helping Families and Children Manage the Effects of Disasters by Lawrence B. Rosenfeld (Dewey Library / HV 553 W48 2010)


• Helping Families and Communities Recover from Disaster : Lessons Learned from Hurricane Katrina and its Aftermath edited by Ryan P. Kilmer (Dewey Library / HV 551.4 G85 H45 2010)


• Creating Spiritual and Psychological Resilience : Integrating Care in Disaster Relief Work edited by Grant H. Brenner, Daniel H. Bush, Joshua Moses (Dewey Library / HV 553 C74 2010)


• Disasters and Public Health: Planning and Responseby Bruce W. Clements (Dewey Library / RA 645.5 C527 2009)


• Disasters and Democracy: The Politics of Extreme Natural Events by Rutherford H. Platt (Dewey Library / HV 555 U6 P53 1999)

Disaster Relief Blogs:



• FEMA


• American Red Cross


• The Salvation Army


• Association of Fundraising Professionals Blogs


• U.N. Dispatch

If you have any further questions about disaster relief services or any other social welfare topic, contact Elaine M. Lasda Bergman, Social Welfare Bibliographer at: (518) 442-3695 or ebergman@uamail.albany.edu.

Blog post created by Benjamin Knowles