Safety & Security Committee

The ZSR Safety & Security Committee supports preparedness, emergency planning, and safety-related initiatives throughout the library.

The current committee includes:

  • Rodrigo Castro, Director of Public Services — Standing Member/Chair
  • Thomas Dowling, Director of Technology — Standing Member
  • Craig Fansler, Preservation Librarian — 2025–27
  • Patrick Ferrell, Collection Maintenance Specialist — 2024–27
  • James Harper, Head of Content Access and Delivery — 2026–28
  • Carolyn McCallum, Cataloging Librarian, Nonprint Resources — 2026–28
  • Tim Mitchell, Computing Support Coordinator — 2026–27
  • Will Ritter, Head of User Services — 2024–27
  • Sam Sfirri, Head of Archival Collections — Standing Member
  • Alayna Veasey, Collections Specialist — 2025–27
  • Ty Wilson, Offsite Collections Coordinator — 2026–28

What We’re Working On

Continuity of Operations

The committee is revising ZSR’s 2020 Continuity of Operations document. This document provides a framework for the library’s response following an emergency or other significant disruption. The revised plan will identify steps necessary to restore and maintain access to library services, collections, facilities, and other resources following an incident.

FY 2027 Safety & Security Goals

During FY 2027, the committee plans to continue several recurring preparedness activities while reviewing and updating ZSR’s safety documentation and resources.

Planned work includes:

  • Conducting the annual building safety walkthrough
  • Completing the annual emergency/disaster supplies audit
  • Coordinating bystander training
  • Coordinating wet-books response training
  • Producing three Safety & Security Bulletins
  • Reviewing the ZSR Emergency Brochure
  • Reviewing the Emergency Procedures document
  • Reviewing the Safety & Security webpage
  • Checking departmental flashlights
  • Continuing the review of the Continuity of Operations plan
  • Producing the committee’s annual report

The annual building walkthrough provides an opportunity to identify facilities and safety concerns throughout ZSR and to verify emergency and disaster supplies.

CPR/AED Training

On August 4, 2026, CPR/AED training was coordinated for employees at the Offsite Storage Facility as part of ongoing safety and emergency preparedness efforts.

Know Your Emergency Resources

Employees are encouraged to become familiar with ZSR and Wake Forest emergency resources before they are needed.

ZSR Emergency Information

Wake Forest Resources

Seasonal Reminder: Severe Weather

Late summer and early fall can bring severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, high winds, and tropical weather to the region.

Employees should monitor weather conditions through reliable local sources and pay particular attention to official Wake Forest communications.

During weather events or other unusual conditions:

  • Monitor Wake Alert and university email for official notifications.
  • Keep the Wake Safe App available on your mobile device.
  • Review the university’s Inclement Weather and Other Unusual Conditions Policy for information about closures, delays, and operating changes.
  • Do not assume that general weather conditions automatically change university or library operations; watch for official university communications.

When conditions are changing, check Wake Alert and your WFU email for the latest university information.